Abstract
Background
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease
(PD) who are not adequately controlled with medications. An artist reported changes
in her artistic creativity and art appreciation when treated with left DBS. We sought
to study her artistic productions and her appreciation of art while both “on” and
“off” left DBS.
Methods
A 69-year-old right-handed woman with an approximate 20-year history of PD was referred
to us for management of a left subthalamic region nucleus (STN) DBS placed at another
institution 4years prior. In Experiment 1 we had her rate several dimensions (Evocative
Impact, Aesthetics, Novelty, Technique, Closure and Representation) of another artist's
paintings. In Experiment 2, we tested her with the Abbreviated Torrance Test (of creativity)
for Adults (ATTA). During testing the patient remained on her dopaminergic medication,
but was tested on and off left DBS.
Results
On the judgment task while “on” left DBS, versus “off” DBS, there were significant
reductions in her appreciation of artistic Closure and Technique. When “off” DBS her
ATTA creativity index was above average, but when switched “on” her creativity index
was below average.
Conclusions
These results suggest the possibility that left ventral STN/SNR DBS reduces creativity
as well as appreciation of art. The reason for these alterations is not known, but
might be related to enhanced activation of the left hemisphere and reciprocal deactivation
of the right hemisphere which mediates both visuospatial skills and global attention,
both of which are important in artistic creativity and appreciation.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
September 16,
2008
Received in revised form:
September 11,
2008
Received:
June 3,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Elsevier B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
