---
title: Improve thinking through implanted stimulation
nct_id: NCT06518824
phase: NA
status: RECRUITING
sponsor: University of British Columbia
study_type: INTERVENTIONAL
canonical_url: "https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT06518824"
clinicaltrials_gov: "https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06518824"
last_fetched: "2026-05-10T14:08:13.616Z"
source: "Parkinson's Pathways (curated)"
---
# Improve thinking through implanted stimulation

**Goal (in five words):** Improve thinking through implanted stimulation

**Official Title:** Theta Deep Brain Stimulation for Cognitive Enhancement in Parkinson's Disease

**Trial ID:** [NCT06518824](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06518824)

## Key Facts

- **Phase:** NA
- **Status:** RECRUITING
- **Study Type:** INTERVENTIONAL
- **Sponsor:** University of British Columbia
- **Target Enrollment:** 27 participants
- **Start Date:** 2024-12
- **Completion Date:** 2025-09
- **Conditions:** Parkinson Disease, Cognitive Impairment
- **Interventions:** DBS On, DBS Off
- **Intervention Types:** DEVICE

## Summary For Families

They're testing whether theta-frequency stimulation through existing subthalamic nucleus DBS leads can improve memory and attention problems that some people with Parkinson's experience. The team will briefly switch patients' implanted STN DBS devices between usual settings and theta-frequency pulses to try to boost the brain's natural theta rhythms that support learning and attention, this is an adjustment to the implanted DBS hardware used alongside medications like levodopa, not a replacement for them. Adults 18 to 80 who already have STN DBS implants with pre- and post-op imaging, are at least three months post-op, and can complete cognitive testing are eligible, while those with significant dementia, language barriers to testing, or major DBS complications are excluded.

## Eligibility

- **Minimum age:** 18 Years
- **Maximum age:** 80 Years
- **Sex:** ALL

### Full Criteria

```
Inclusion Criteria:

* Those with STN DBS devices
* Those with pre- and post-operative imaging
* Those that are at least 3 months post-operative

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those unable to complete the cognitive task (due to language barriers or dementia)
* Those with significant DBS complications
```

## Locations (1)

- Leslie and Gordan Diamond Health Care Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada _(49.2497, -123.1193)_
  - Stefan Lang, MD PhD FRCSC — (CONTACT) — 604-875-5540 — stefan.lang@vch.ca

## Central Contacts

- Stefan Lang, MD PhD FRCSC — (CONTACT) — 604-875-5540 — stefan.lang@vch.ca
- Danielle Pietramala — (CONTACT) — 604-875-4111 — danielle.pietram@ubc.ca

---

*Canonical: https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT06518824*  
*HTML version: https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT06518824*  
*Source data: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06518824*