Higgins, A.; (2008) The impact of Deep Brain Stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus on reward responsiveness in patients with Parkinson's disease. Doctoral thesis , University of London.

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Abstract

The main focus of this project is the impact of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery on reward responsiveness in Parkinson's disease (PD). This project aims to investigate what the neuropsychological effects of this surgical treatment can teach us about the mechanism of stimulation and its effects on the underlying neural circuits that are damaged in this disease. The first part of this project aims to review the evidence on apathy in Parkinson's disease. Studies published to date are discussed and critically reviewed, with reference to the occurrence of apathy in Parkinson's disease and the effects of neurosurgical intervention on the occurrence of apathy in Parkinson's disease. The second part of this project aims to assess Parkinson's disease patients who have undergone Deep Brain Stimulation surgery for the treatment of the motor symptoms of the disease. Specifically, this study aims to assess the impact of Deep Brain Stimulation on reward responsiveness, as measured by patient's motor performances on a simple reaction time task and a card-sorting task. The final part of this project is a critical appraisal of the research, reflecting on the research process the strengths and weakness of the study, changes I would make to improve the study and how further research could build upon the results obtained here are discussed.

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