L-Dopa and STN-DBS modulate E/I balance and the neural encoding of rhythmic auditory stimulation in Parkinson’s

Temporally regular auditory stimuli, such as metronome beats or music, are typically utilized in rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) to initiate and stabilize the precise temporal coordination of motor plans in persons with Parkinson’s disease (pwPD). Research suggests that RAS promotes the recruitment of the cerebellar-prefrontal network and recalibrates abnormal β-band synchronization in the striato-thalamo-cortical pathway. As these effects resemble those observed via dopaminergic treatments (e.g., levodopa) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the subthalamic nucleus (STN), one may ask whether RAS may provide a more ecological means to regulate sensorimotor functions in pwPD, and whether treatment combinations may maximize intervention efficacy.

We investigated the influence of both levodopa administration and STN-DBS on the neural encoding of simple isochronous auditory streams in pwPD. A comprehensive analysis of EEG data recorded during temporally regular stimulation revealed changes in (i) β-band event-locked neural responses, (ii) as well as event-related potentials, (iii) neural tracking of rhythm (δ-band inter-trial phase coherence), and (iv) excitation / inhibition balance (E/I; aperiodic exponent) as a function of these treatments. Furthermore, we characterize the link between changes in E/I balance and motor symptom severity (UPDRS-III) with levodopa administration.

Overall, we show inter-individual variability and differential effects of levodopa, 8-week and 1-year after DBS placement on the neural encoding of temporally predictable sounds. Characterizing individual responses to specific treatments is a fundamental step in tailoring rehabilitation protocols and optimizing intervention efficacy.