A study conducted at the Grenoble Institute of Neurosciences (GIN—UGA/CEA/CHUGA/Inserm) describes, using a progressive model of Parkinson’s disease in macaques, the sequence of changes in subthalamic nucleus activity as the disease develops.

Researchers show that certain electrical abnormalities in this nucleus appear before observable deficits and subsequently accompany motivational, cognitive, and motor impairments. They also reveal that the effects of deep brain stimulation differ depending on the targeted region and the frequency used: high-frequency stimulation of the dorsal region improves motor performance, while low-frequency stimulation of the ventral region restores motivation in this model.

These findings contribute to a better understanding of the early stages of Parkinson's disease and support the development of stimulation strategies tailored to each patient's symptom profile.