IGNITE-PD: Unraveling the neural mechanisms of apathy: Modulating motivation through deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease.

• Applicant: Damian Herz, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Human Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 565021148

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest growing neurological disorder affecting ~ 6 million people world-wide. Clinical impairment of people with PD is typically categorized into ‘motor’ symptoms, such as slow movement (bradykinesia), stiffness (rigidity) and shaking (tremor), and ‘non-motor’ symptoms, such as sleep disorders, autonomous dysfunction and lack of motivation (apathy). This arbitrary distinction, however, fails to fully capture the complexity of clinical impairment in people with PD. In particular, apathy, which is considered a ‘non-motor’ symptom, is reflected by an unwillingness to exert effort for reward, i.e. is defined by patients’ behaviour. In this research project we wish to examine the computations underlying abnormal movement (bradykinesia) and motivation (apathy) in PD using a unified behavioural framework of utility optimization considering the rewards and effort costs of actions. Combining computational modelling with non-invasive (electro-encephalography) and invasive (subthalamic local field potentials) neurophysiological recordings in patients with PD we will relate distinct abnormal behavioural processes to specific changes in cortico-subthalamic activity and connectivity patterns. Finally, using spatially-focused as well as bidirectional, temporally-patterned deep brain stimulation we will assess how movement and motivation can be modified by electrical stimulation focused in space and time. Together, this project will reveal ground-breaking new insights into the neural control of movement and motivation paving the way for optimizing treatment of neurological disorders in the future.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants