"Identification of Brain Area Linked to Attention Control"

A study conducted at the University of Iowa has found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the subthalamic nucleus, used to treat Parkinson's disease, may impact patients' ability to shift attention between tasks. While DBS effectively controls motor symptoms, it may impede the brain's ability to redirect thoughts and attention, potentially explaining cognitive and behavioral side effects experienced by some patients. The research suggests that the subthalamic nucleus plays a crucial role in both motor and non-motor systems, including thought and attention management.