Christmas‐Related Reduction in Beta Activity in Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundSubthalamic nucleus (STN) beta (13 ‐ 35 Hz) activity is a biomarker reflecting motor state in Parkinson's disease (PD). Adaptive deep brain stimulation (DBS) aims to use beta activity for therapeutic adjustments, but many aspects of beta activity in real‐life situations are unknown.ObjectiveThe aim was to investigate Christmas‐related influences on beta activity in PD.MethodsDifferences in Christmas Day to nonfestive daily averages in chronic biomarker recordings in 4 PD patients with a sensing‐enabled STN DBS implant were retrospectively analyzed. Sweet‐spot and whole‐brain network connectomic analyses were performed.ResultsBeta activity was significantly reduced on Christmas Eve in all patients (4.00–9.00 p.m.: −12.30 ± 10.78%, P = 0.015). A sweet spot in the dorsolateral STN connected recording sites to motor, premotor, and supplementary motor cortices.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that festive events can reduce beta biomarker activity. We conclude that circadian and holiday‐related changes should be considered when tailoring adaptive DBS algorithms to patient demands. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.