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Understanding Brain Activity and Spatial Navigation with Deep Brain Stimulation

This study aims to understand how the brain helps us navigate in the real world, especially focusing on memory. Researchers will use Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) devices, which are already implanted in participants, to record brain activity and provide stimulation. You would participate in tasks like walking or using virtual reality (VR) to simulate real-world navigation. Researchers will also monitor your heart rate and eye movements, and you'll complete questionnaires. The study is looking for 70 participants, aged 12 to 70, who have already had an RNS system (a type of DBS device) placed. Success will be measured by changes in spatial memory, overall memory performance, and brain wave activity throughout the study, which will take an average of 2-4 days per year.

Study design
This is an interventional study with an estimated enrollment of 70 participants. It is not specified if it's randomized or blinded.
What's involved
You would participate in memory and spatial navigation tasks, have physiological signals monitored, and complete questionnaires and assessments. This would occur for an average of 2-4 days per year.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed throughout study completion, which is an average of 2-4 days per year.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04874220

Neural Correlates of Real World Spatial Navigation in Humans

Recruiting
NAAges 12–70InterventionalBasic science
Duke University
~70 participants
Updated 2026-05-15 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Deep Brain StimulationMemory and spatial navigation tasksPhysiological SignalsQuestionnaires and Assessments

At a glance

Recruiting sites
2 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Spatial memory
Measured over Throughout study completion, an average of 2-4 days per year
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Memory, Delayed

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Memory Impairment

Where it's being run

2 sites across 2 states
California1
North Carolina1

Study leadership

  • Nanthia Suthana, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of California, Los Angeles
  • Nanthia Suthana, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Duke University

Who to contact

Gabriela Vilchez
[email protected]
9196812577
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

12 years of age or older and has undergone RNS system placement
Willing to provide informed consent and participate the study
Ability to read and write English fluently

Exclusion

Unwilling to provide informed consent

What this trial measures

  • Spatial memoryThroughout study completion, an average of 2-4 days per year

    Spatial memory will be measured using virtual, augmented and real-world spatial navigation tasks where participants will be asked to navigate a previously learned rout as well as if they recognize objects (i.e. landmarks) that appeared along the route (photos of seen landmarks vs unseen landmarks).

  • Memory performance changeThroughout study completion, an average of 2-4 days per year

    Memory performance will be measured using excess path length, latency, and accuracy rate.

  • Oscillatory activity changeThroughout study completion, an average of 2-4 days per year

    Changes in theta, gamma, and theta-gamma coupling will be measured both in relation to changes in memory performance on trials with and without deep brain stimulation as well as in relation to body, head, and eye position in a virtual, augmented, or real-world environment.