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Defining the role of the subthalamic nucleus in language production through deep brain stimulation

Award Number: R21DC019749
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2022
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2025

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Defining the role of the subthalamic nucleus in language production through deep brain stimulation - Abstract Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is an effective therapy for Parkinson disease. One of the main concerns when considering this therapy is the possibility of worsening cognitive changes. Deficits in word production ability, often measured as verbal fluency, is the most frequently reported cognitive change after STN-DBS. However, the mechanism remains poorly understood, largely due to our lack of knowledge on the role of the basal ganglia (BG) in language production. To fully understand the mechanisms of word- production deficits and the role of the STN in language we first need to define the language profile of STN- DBS. The overarching purpose of this proposal is to comprehensively evaluate language changes after STN- DBS and understand what part of the process of word production is affected. By evaluating patients with unilateral implants, our project will provide a more refined understanding of the role of the BG laterality in language changes (Aim 1). The role of the BG in motor program selection through modulation of the frontal cortex is well established. Within the BG, the STN plays a significant role in this process by inhibiting or delaying inappropriate options. Language models suggest a similar process where multiple lexical options are activated, and efficient inhibition of the incorrect ones is a necessary step for a timely outcome to occur. We will determine if changes in word production deficits are related to impairments in inhibition by correlating changes with verbal and non-verbal inhibitory tasks (Aim 2). Finally, we will assess the role of STN connectivity to language cortical areas, particularly the inferior frontal gyrus, and to what extent disruptions of that connectivity due to DBS affects language performance (Aim 3). Overall, this project will build on a comprehensive language assessment and network science to advance translational and personalized research in Parkinson disease as well as other forms of aphasia. It will advance knowledge on the cognitive and language changes in STN-DBS, provide mechanistic information about language processing and determine markers for DBS-related cognitive changes.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2026	2023	THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA	179 ASHLEY AVE	CHARLESTON	SC	29425	CHARLESTON	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	2	11/28/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $188,750 )
2023	2023	MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA THE	179 ASHLEY AVE	CHARLESTON	SC	29425	CHARLESTON	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	2	6/14/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$188,750
														Subtotal = $188,750

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $226,500 )
2022	2022	MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA THE	179 ASHLEY AVE	CHARLESTON	SC	29425	CHARLESTON	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	001	1	6/29/2022	NEW	$180
2022	2022	MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA THE	179 ASHLEY AVE	CHARLESTON	SC	29425	CHARLESTON	USA	Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders	000	1	3/21/2022	NEW	$226,320
														Subtotal = $226,500

Grand Total All Awards = $415,250

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Defining the role of the subthalamic nucleus in language production through deep brain stimulation

Award Number: R21DC019749

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2022

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2025

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