Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation connectivity related to apathy outcomes in Parkinson's disease

Key Points

• This research investigates how deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus affects apathy in Parkinson's disease.
• Explored the connectivity of subthalamic nucleus during stimulation.
• Analyzed the relationship between stimulation and emotional/motivational circuits.
• Observed patient outcomes related to apathy post-stimulation.
• Worsening of apathy was significantly linked to the stimulation of specific emotional circuits (p<0.005).
• Disruption of auto-activation processes was noted in some patients.
• Other emotional-affective processes were also affected by the stimulation.