Arjun Balachandar, MD

2026 Next Generation Research Grant
CLINICAL RESEARCH TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP in Parkinson’s Disease

Using a Brain-Computer Interface to Treat Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s Disease

Institution: University of Toronto

Project Summary: Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease in which the brain loses cells that produce dopamine. This can cause several types of motor issues, including specific movement disorders, such as freezing of gait. This describes an episodic condition that temporarily prevents people from moving their feet forward despite their intention to walk.

Dr. Balachandar will use implanted electrode grids as a brain-computer interface with Parkinson’s disease patients. Through this study, he hopes to discover “brain signatures” that appear before and during freezing and develop new brain stimulation treatments for freezing of gait, an under-studied disorder associated with Parkinson’s.

This research is funded by the Parkinson’s Foundation and the American Brain Foundation.