Patient engagement strengthens ReTune research on neuromodulation

Sep 18, 2025

Patient engagement strengthens ReTune research on neuromodulation

ReTune researchers recently took part in a NeuroTalk event in Berlin to discuss ongoing work on neuromodulation with patients living with Parkinson’s disease. The event was part of the “Neurotalk – Wissenschaft trifft Öffentlichkeit” series hosted by the excellence cluster NeuroCure. It was jointly initiated by Dr. Lucia Feldmann, Dr. Jeroen Habets and Prof. Andrea Kühn and continued previous patient and caregiver engagement activities that had contributed to the study design of ReTune project C04 on chronic biomarker monitoring in deep brain stimulation.

Andrea Kühn presenting research at NeuroTalk

Two years into the ongoing studies, the aim of this NeuroTalk was to share the latest scientific results with participating patients and to discuss future directions. The evening opened with remarks by CRC Spokesperson and Director of the Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation Section, Prof. Andrea Kühn.

Lucia Feldmann presenting research at NeuroTalk

This was followed by an update on electrophysiological research by Dr. Feldmann, which set the stage for a first discussion round on non motor symptoms and deep brain stimulation, including neuropsychiatric symptoms, multitasking and early experiences with adaptive DBS.

Jeroen Habets presenting research at NeuroTalk

Dr. Habets then presented recent developments in home monitoring strategies that support more naturalistic research settings. In the concluding discussion rounds, participants provided feedback on study organization and communication and contributed new perspectives on unmet scientific needs from a patient standpoint.

Overall, the NeuroTalk highlighted the importance of close and continuous patient engagement for research on movement disorders. The positive responses underlined that science communication serves both to inform participants and to integrate the expertise of those who experience Parkinson’s disease in their daily lives.

Reference: Feldmann LK, Roudini J, Kühn AA, Habets JGV. Improving naturalistic neuroscience with patient engagement strategies. Front Hum Neurosci. 2024 Jan 8, 17:1325154.