Work

Personalized neural biomarker optimization improves classification of medication state in Parkinson’s disease

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: This study explored the feasibility of a spaced transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) protocol for major depressive disorder (MDD).Methods: Thirty participants with MDD were enrolled in an open-label study to receive 50 tDCS sessions over two weeks.Feasibility, safety, tolerability, and preliminary therapeutic outcomes were evaluated using the HDRS-17 and MADRS at baseline, 1-week, and 4-week follow-ups, and the HDRS-6 was administered daily during treatment.Results: The protocol showed high feasibility, with a retention rate of 93.3% and adherence of 99.7%.No serious adverse events were reported.The most frequent side effects were mild tingling and itching during stimulation (100%) and temporary skin redness (100%), while 64.3% of participants experienced mild contact dermatitis, which resolved in all cases by follow-up.Skin irritation disappeared for most participants by the 1-week follow-up and for the rest by the 4-week follow-up.These side effects did not limit treatment or require intervention.HDRS-17 scores improved from a baseline mean of 21.3 (SD 3.0) to 15.3 (SD 6.3) at 1-week, and 13.2 (SD 7.1) at 4-week follow-up.Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant time effect on HDRS-17 scores (F(2, 52) ¼ 29.131, p < .001,hp 2 ¼ .528).Similar findings were observed on the MADRS.Interaction effects were noted in HDRS-6 scores between time and response groups, particularly between the 1-and 4-week follow-ups (Wilks' Lambda ¼ .165,F(12, 12) ¼ 5.075, p ¼ .004,hp 2 ¼ .835). Conclusion:The protocol was feasible, safe, and well-tolerated, leading to significant symptom reductions.Further validation through shamcontrolled randomized trials, with the inclusion of neurophysiological measures, may enhance understanding of biological mechanisms and support biomarker identification.

Source: Brain stimulation

DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.12.1015