Theta-frequency subthalamic nucleus stimulation increases decision threshold.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Executive functions are often impaired in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and these deficits can be predicted by decreased frontal cortical 4-8 Hz theta activity that is associated with cognitive control. Previous work has shown that stimulating the subthalamic nucleus (STN) at theta frequencies via deep-brain stimulation (DBS) can improve cognitive control. Here we tested the neurocomputational hypothesis that stimulating STN theta activity increases decision thresholds, supporting more deliberate responding and nuanced adaptation under task trials that require cognitive control.

Methods

We tested 15 patients with PD receiving STN DBS at standard therapeutic frequencies ∼130 Hz and at 4 Hz while performing a Simon reaction-time task and applied computat

SUBMITTER: Cole RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12392301 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature