Objective: To investigate the neural correlates of anxiety and depression in PD patients and to develop a novel neurostimulation therapy for these non-motor symptoms.

Background: Depression and anxiety are prominent non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD)but the pathophysiology of these symptoms is still largely unknown. Here, we used permanent prefrontal cortex (PFC) implants to identify markers of mood and anxiety and to modulate these non-motor symptoms with PFC stimulation.

Method: Five PD patients with moderate baseline anxiety and depression were enrolled in this study. Each patient was implanted with the Activa PC+S, DBS device allowing stimulation and sensing, which was attached to a deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead for the treatment of motor signs and a permanent 4-contact electrocorticography (ECoG) strip covering the right PFC. Cortical and basal ganglia field potentials were recorded chronically, both in clinic and at patients’ homes, during the presence of minimal and more severe non-motor symptoms. Recordings were paired with symptoms assessments based on visual analogue scales (VAS).The effect of acute (15min-24hr) PFC stimulation was also studied.

Results: We found that prefrontal ECoG power spectra are characterized by a peak in the alpha/beta band (8-30Hz). The severity of depression and anxiety was significantly correlated with PFC high beta power (p<0.05) in most patients. In one patient, we also found that PFC stimulation (3V, 80-100us, 100-180Hz) was associated with a reduction of these symptoms without inducing side effects.

Conclusion: These results suggest that PFC high beta power may be associated with anxiety and depression, and indicate a potential therapeutic effect of PFC stimulation.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/prefrontal-cortex-high-beta-power-correlates-with-the-severity-of-anxiety-and-depression-in-parkinsons-disease-patients/