The purpose of this research is to determine whether repetitive sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the prefrontal cortex can enhance the cognitive, affective and motor functioning of those with Parkinson's Disease.

In this study we will compare active tDCS with sham tDCS. Each subject will receive two consecutive weeks of stimulation (Monday through Friday). A battery of neuropsychological and affective tests will be administered throughout the duration of the study.

Note that this study is a two-center study (the other center is Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center - PI - Alvaro Pascual-Leone)

* Further study details are provided by Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of "probable" PD, defined by the presence of at least 2 out of 3 cardinal motor features of PD (resting tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia, plus a sustained and significant response to dopaminergic treatment);
• Age 40 or over;
• Taking stable medications for at least 30 days

Exclusion Criteria:

• Features suggestive of other causes of parkinsonism/ parkinson-plus syndromes;

• History of deep brain stimulation or ablation surgery, mass brain lesions;

• History of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, other psychosis, bipolar illness, alcohol/drug abuse within the past year;

• Need for rapid clinical response due to conditions such as initiation, psychosis, or suicidality;

• Contraindications to tDCS*

  • metal in the head
  • implanted brain medical devices

• Unstable medical conditions (eg. uncontrolled diabetes, uncompensated cardiac issues heart failure, pulmonary issues, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

• Pregnancy