Comprehensive Movement Disorders Program
Our neurosciences experts have special training to diagnose and treat all types of movement disorders including:
- Ataxia, tic disorders and dystonia
- Cortical basal ganglionic degeneration
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
- Shy-Drager syndrome
We offer a wide range of treatments and services to help improve the quality of your life and ease symptoms including:
- Medicines to control your symptoms
- Rehabilitative evaluation and services to help you maintain function
- Cognitive exams and treatment to improve the way you process information
- Psychological counseling to improve your emotional well-being
- Complete presurgical tests to decide if surgery is right for you
- Parkinsons disease support groups to help you and your loved ones cope with your health problem
Parkinsons Social Workers Are Essential
Social workers make life better for people with Parkinsons, their care partners and their loved ones! Parkinsons disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. It manifests itself differently in every person, and Parkinsons social workers can help. Social workers address the non-medical aspects of Parkinsons, including patients mental health and support system. They view each person with PD through the lens of strengths, dignity, diversity and right to self-determination. They connect them to community resources, such as support groups, exercise programs, transportation and meal options, PD-specialized rehabilitation therapists and in-home and long-term care. They can also address care partner and family support needs and some may provide short- or longer-term mental health counseling.
Although, the Parkinsons social worker network expands across the globe, here are a few social workers making life better for people with Parkinsons:
Adriana Gonzalez, LCSW
Amanda Janicke, MA, LCSW, CDP
Amanda Janicke, MA, LCSW, CDP works as a Parkinsons Disease Information Specialist on the Helpline for the Parkinsons Foundation outside of Chicago. In this role, Amanda responds to inquiries from people with Parkinsons and their care partners, helping them understand the range of Parkinsons symptoms, treatments, and options for support in any stage, while also guiding callers to relevant Parkinsons-specific resources.
Where Can I Find Extensive Supportive Services
Mental health is a crucial component of Parkinsons Disease care. The initial diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients, families and caregivers.
Supportive services are critically important for Parkinsons Disease patients and include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology. Reducing rigidity and increasing strength, balance and flexibility can help you stay active and engaged in your daily activities.
People with Parkinsons Disease often have speech and voice problems, including low pitch, breathing concerns and swallowing difficulties. Studies show that exercising your vocal cords can help reduce some of these issues, which is why speech support is so essential for Parkinsons Disease patients.
The Parkinsons Disease Specialty Care Center at St. Charles Hospital offers specialized care for adults diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. We also offer support to patients at our American Parkinsons Disease Association Information and Referral Centers in partnership with St. Charles Hospital and St. Catherine of Siena Hospital located at Catholic Health Ambulatory Care in Commack with extended services to additional Suffolk County locations. These support groups provide educational and emotional support to people with Parkinsons Disease and their families.
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Parkinson’s Foundation Designates Three New Centers Of Excellence In Parkinson’s Care
Global Network Expands to 48 Parkinson’s Centers
MIAMI and NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — The Parkinson’s Foundation announced the addition of three new Centers of Excellence to its global network of expert care providers for people with Parkinson’s disease . The three new centers include University of Colorado Movement Disorders Center, Indiana University School of Medicine and Jefferson Health’s Comprehensive Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorder Center.
A Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence is a medical center with a specialized team of neurologists, movement disorder specialists, rehab professionals, mental health professionals and others with deep expertise in the latest PD medications, therapies and research to provide the best care. The Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence network is now comprised of 48 leading medical centers around the world, with 34 based in the U.S.
“The newly designated Centers of Excellence join a network that is setting the highest standards of care for people with PD worldwide,” said John L. Lehr, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Parkinson’s Foundation. “We are proud to further our commitment to improving the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s and making a difference in underserved communities across the country.”
To search for a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, visit Parkinson.org/search or call 1-800-4PD-INFO.
MEDIA CONTACT
Advanced Movement Disorder Treatments
Our movement disorders experts have advanced skills in some of the latest treatments, including:
- Botox® injections. This neurotoxin is used to relax muscles that are having spasms. Its also used to treat dystonia and dyskinesia .
- Deep brain stimulation . This procedure is used to treat Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia and tic syndromes.
- DUOPA infusion. This medicine, which is given through a feeding tube, can improve movement and function in people who have Parkinson’s disease.
When you choose MU Health Care, you benefit from all the medical experience and resources that can only be found at an academic health system. And, because our doctors take part in research, you can feel confident that youll get the most advanced care.
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Jefferson Named One Of Three New Centers Of Excellence In Parkinsons Care
PHILADELPHIA Because of its commitment to both the expert treatment of patients with Parkinsons and the research into a cure, the Comprehensive Parkinsons Disease & Movement Disorder Center at Jefferson Health was named one of three new Centers of Excellence by the Parkinsons Foundation today, August 6.
Parkinsons is a complex disease that requires an integrated approach to care, says Richard Smeyne, PhD, director of Jeffersons Comprehensive Parkinsons Disease & Movement Disorder Center at the Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience Jefferson Health. So many of our experts came together to demonstrate our commitment to the best treatments, physical therapy approaches and research as part of the application process. And it shows. thanks to the wrap-around care from our social workers, nurses and staff, our patients often comment on how they feel like they receive VIP treatment.
A Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence is a medical center with a specialized team of neurologists, movement disorder specialists, rehab professionals, mental health professionals and others with deep expertise in the latest PD medications, therapies and research to provide the best care. The Parkinsons Foundation Center of Excellence network is now comprised of 48 leading medical centers around the world, with 34 based in the U.S.
Media Contact: Edyta Zielinska, 215-955-7359, [email protected].
What Are The Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
Many patients experience symptoms that slowly progress over time. The most common Parkinsons Disease symptoms include:
- Difficulty with dressing, cutting food and other everyday activities
- Falls/unsteady on feet
- Masking of the face
Parkinsons Disease is slowly progressive, which means symptoms can continue to worsen. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with your physician.
If there is reason to believe you may have Parkinsons Disease, it is likely a more formal evaluation will be needed with a neurologist or movement disorder specialist for further evaluation and review of treatment options. A movement disorder specialist is a neurologist with additional training and knowledge on treating Parkinsons Disease and other movement disorders.
Recommended Reading: Johns Hopkins Parkinson’s Disease And Movement Disorders Center
Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms Treatment & Management
Parkinsons disease is a slowly progressive, neurodegenerative disorder. While there are validated clinical criteria for making a clinical diagnosis of Parkinsons disease, there is no single clinical test for diagnosing the disorder nor any known cure. The disease develops differently for each patient. Early detection plays a key role in developing a customized treatment plan to suppress symptoms and improve function.
Contact your doctor to schedule a neurological and physical exam if you think you are experiencing symptoms.
Parkinsons disease is a slowly progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that impacts a person’s function and ability to perform daily activities.
Most people, on average, develop the symptoms of Parkinsons disease between ages 55-60. Early onset Parkinson’s disease is defined when someone is diagnosed under 50 years old.
Parkinsons disease symptoms fall into two major categories: motor and non-motor. The motor symptoms of stiffness and slowness define parkinsonism”a person who looks like they could have Parkinsons disease.
While rest tremor is common, not everyone diagnosed has a tremor. The symptoms are typically slowly progressive and generally affect one side greater than the other.
The four primary motor symptoms include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Disturbances in the sense of smell
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Lightheadedness
Parkinson’s disease symptoms can be managed with:
Stroke & Vascular Neurology
Primary Stroke Centers
All Kaiser Permanente Southern California medical centers have been certified as primary stroke centers by The Joint Commission. Research shows that patients receiving care at primary stroke centers have a higher incidence of survival and recovery than those treated in hospitals without this type of specialized care.
Our comprehensive stroke services include:
- Evaluation of cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke and transient ischemic attack
- Physical, occupational and speech therapy
- Dietary/lifestyle modification
- Comprehensive medical management
- Neurovascular intervention, such as thrombectomy
Our Neurology Department regularly participates in clinical trials to evaluate new medications and treatments for stroke. Visit kp-scalresearch.org to read about our latest neurological research and clinical trials.
Tele-Stroke Program
Our Tele-Stroke Program puts video to the best possible use to save lives. This video system allows emergency physicians to contact and consult with a stroke neurologist in real time, often before a patient reaches the ER via ambulance. In a very real sense, this system brings a stroke care specialist to the patients bedside via video, to shave precious minutes off diagnostic and treatment time.
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Parkinsons Foundation Designates Three New Centers Of Excellence In Parkinsons Care
Global Network Expands to 48 Parkinsons Centers
MIAMI & NEW YORK The Parkinsons Foundation announced the addition of three new Centers of Excellence to its global network of expert care providers for people with Parkinsons disease . The three new centers include University of Colorado Movement Disorders Center, Indiana University School of Medicine and Jefferson Healths Comprehensive Parkinsons Disease & Movement Disorder Center.
A Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence is a medical center with a specialized team of neurologists, movement disorder specialists, rehab professionals, mental health professionals and others with deep expertise in the latest PD medications, therapies and research to provide the best care. The Parkinsons Foundation Center of Excellence network is now comprised of 48 leading medical centers around the world, with 34 based in the U.S.
The newly designated Centers of Excellence join a network that is setting the highest standards of care for people with PD worldwide, said John L. Lehr, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Parkinsons Foundation. We are proud to further our commitment to improving the quality of life for people with Parkinsons and making a difference in underserved communities across the country.
To search for a Parkinsons Foundation Center of Excellence, visit Parkinson.org/Search or call 1-800-4PD-INFO.
The Future Of Ochsner Neuroscience Institute
Ochsner Health is proud to announce the future new Robert J. and Debra H. Patrick Neuroscience Center. This 132,000-square-foot facility will soon be home to the nationally ranked Ochsner Neuroscience Institute, bringing 25 national renowned programs under one roof. This will be the only major neuroscience institute between Houston and Atlanta, serving as a catalyst for innovation in the field of neurosciences for the patients of the Gulf South.
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Getting To A Movement Disorder Specialist
If you live in a rural area or have difficulty traveling, it may be challenging to find or visit a movement disorder specialist. One option might be to travel to see a movement disorder specialist once or twice a year and follow up with a local general neurologist or primary care doctor more frequently. Any time spent with a specialist may be helpful.
Technology, too, may help. Some hospitals and services can connect you with a Parkinson’s specialist without you having to leave your home. Parkinson’s Disease Care New York, for example, offers people in the state of New York video calls through a computer, tablet or smartphone with a movement disorder specialist, a neurologist or a Parkinson’s-trained nurse at no cost. Ask your doctor or support group about telemedicine opportunities.
Be Part of the Answer
You have the power to impact your future and the future of millions living with Parkinson’s disease. Explore clinical research participation today.
What Support Groups Do You Offer
In addition to a general Parkinsons Disease support group, our specialty support groups and programs include:
- Care partner support groups: designed specifically for care partners of people with Parkinsons Disease.
- Deep Brain Stimulation support groups: for people with Parkinsons Disease who have had deep brain surgery and those with Parkinsons Disease and their care partners who want to learn more about it.
- Loud & Lyrical vocal group run by a neurologic music therapist: Therapeutic chorus for people with Parkinsons Disease and their care partners too.
- Support group educational series for those diagnosed five years ago or less: Created to help newly diagnosed people with Parkinsons Disease and their care partners learn more about the disease and available treatment options.
- Young-onset support groups: Care partners are welcome to attend as well.
- Virtual trivia game day: Fun and games for people with Parkinsons Disease and their care-partners.
The APDA Information and Referral Center coordinators connect people with Parkinson’s Disease and their families with information and referrals in the community, education, support programs, health and wellness programs and other events to facilitate a better quality of life to those with Parkinsons Disease and their care partners.
Understanding Parkinsons Disease can be overwhelming. But were here to help. From initial consultation to diagnosis and customized treatment planswe partner with you for the highest level of care.
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What Are The Treatment Options For Parkinsons Disease
Medications and non-medicinal treatments combined can help manage Parkinsons Disease symptoms, such as decreasing stiffness, improving mobility and mood, and assisting with sleep issues. There are also surgical options and ongoing clinical trials as well.
Parkinsons Disease manifests itself differently in each patient. Your neurologist will work with you to create a customized treatment plan. Management of Parkinsons Disease is a partnership between patients, physicians, caregivers, and extended services that are built on the following core components:
- Getting good, restful sleep each night
What Is Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsonâs disease results from the loss of nerve cells that make dopamine in the brain. Dopamine helps people regulate movements and emotional responses. Parkinsonâs disease causes a range of motor symptoms that affect how you move. It can also lead to difficulty sleeping or mood changes.The condition is progressive, which means it worsens over time. At AHNâs Cahouet Center for Comprehensive Parkinsonâs Care, an expert team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, therapists and support staff are dedicated to treating every symptom of the disease. Patients at the Center will have access to the latest treatments, therapies, and educational and community resources.Learn more about the AHNâs Cahouet Center for Comprehensive Parkinsonâs Care.
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Connections To National Research Give Patients Opportunity Here
Our active research program has been focused on the study of neurodegenerative diseases and breakthrough treatments for Parkinsons disease and Huntingtons disease through local and North American-wide networks including the Parkinsons Study Group, Huntington Study Group, and NeuroNEXT.
20 clinical trials10,0006
Parkinsons Disease And Movement Disorder Treatment At Scripps
Depending on the type and progression of the movement disorder, the Scripps neurology team will recommend personalized care plans to achieve the best possible outcome. Treatment plans usually include one or more of the following therapies:
Speech and voice disorder therapy
Because speech and voice disorders are common in those with Parkinsonâs disease, speech language pathologists at several Scripps locations specialize in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment LOUD â an evidence-based training technique that focuses on improving voice quality, articulation and vocal intensity.
LSVT LOUD improves vocal loudness by stimulating the muscles of the voice box and speech mechanism through a series of exercises. The goal of treatment is to bring the voice to an improved, healthy volume level with no strain, so patients participate in conversations and have greater confidence in social settings.
We also offer a LSVT LOUD maintenance class for people who have completed the initial LSVT LOUD protocol. Visit our page on rehabilitation classes to learn more about the maintenance class.
Physical therapy
To simultaneously treat the unique movement impairments caused by Parkinsonâs disease, physical therapists at several Scripps locations also offer LSVT BIG. Using core movements and other exercises, the training focuses on improving speed, trunk rotation, gait and balance.
Parkinsonâs boot camps and picnic
Check our events page for upcoming boot camps, seminars and other events.
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Treatments For Parkinson’s Disease
While there is still no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, management by a Parkinson’s Disease Specialist often results in many years of good quality of life. Levodopa remains the most effective medication available for the symptoms of PD. It can be found in the medications Sinemet, Parcopa and Stalevo . However, because chronic use of levodopa can lead to a different kind of abnormal movement called “dyskinesia”, many Neurologists try to limit this medication as much as possible. Depending on the symptoms of the patient and their other health problems, many other kinds of medications may be used. The most commonly used group besides levodopa are the “dopamine agonists” including ropinerole and pramipexole .
A Brief History Of Pd& mdc
The PD& MDC was founded at the late, great Graduate Hospital in 1982 by Drs. Howard Hurtig and Matthew Stern, and Nurse Gwyn Vernon, as a center to provide comprehensive care and education to patients and families, and to conduct clinical and basic research in collaboration with basic scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine . After 15 years of steady and expanded growth of its fundamental mission, the PD& MDC moved in 1997 to the Penn Neurological Institute at Pennsylvania Hospital, where patient services and program development accelerated to achieve its current status as one of premier facilities of its kind in the US and a Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence. PD& MDC is also a Huntington’s Disease Society of America Center of Excellence, a Lewy Body Dementia Association Research Center of Excellence and a CurePSP Center of Care.
DR. HURTIG AND DR. STERN, CO-FOUNDERS PD& MDC
PD& MDC is now directed by Dr. Andrew Siderowf, MD, a Movement Disorders Specialist whose research focuses on the organization and conduct of clinical trials. Dr. Siderowf is the national Co-PI for the Parkinson Progression Marker Initiative study, and the Co-PI for the UPenn NeuroNEXT clinical site. He also serves on the steering committee or safety monitoring boards of several other ongoing multi-center clinical trials.
DR. ANDREW SIDEROWF, DIRECTOR OF PD& MDC
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