Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders

Common issues of disease etiology and progression underpin the research synergies of Department faculty who specialize in Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), dystonia, and essential tremor. Through intradepartmental collaboration as well as participation in disease study groups at the national and international levels, these faculty continue to advance understanding of the pathogenic processes and patterns of cognitive, sensory, and motor impairment associated with movement disorders.

In translational research, they are on the front lines of development and evaluation of new diagnostic tools and treatment modalities. Department milestones include the development of transgenic mouse models of MSA and the identification of mitochondrial dysfunction in early PD, the neuroprotective efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in slowing progressive impairment in patients with early PD, the genetic mutations associated with PD, the pathogenic role of alpha-synuclein and environmental factors in MSA, and the role of white matter and cerebellar changes, as well as subcortical and cortical changes, in HD symptomatology.

Patient Care
Parkinson’s Disease
Huntington’s Disease

Research
Jody Corey-Bloom, MD, PhD
Douglas R. Galasko, MD
Richard H. Haas, MD
Eliezer Masliah, MD
Subhojit Roy, MD, PhD
Geoffrey L. Sheean, MD, MBBS
David D. Song, MD, PhD