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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Neurology

Parkinson’s disease

Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Neurology is home to the only designated Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence in Indiana. This recognition indicates that IU School of Medicine Department of Neurology faculty are experts in providing state-of-the-art comprehensive services for people with Parkinson’s disease. IU School of Medicine now belongs to a global network of 48 leading medical centers around the world, 35 of those within the United States. Together, these centers provide expert care to more than 145,000 people with Parkinson's disease.

What is Parkinson's disease?

Learn more about Centers of Excellence

Find out more about the Parkinson Foundation’s Centers of Excellence around the world.

Parkinson's Disease Research

Parkinson’s disease research at IU School of Medicine spans multiple areas. Clinical trials of new Parkinson’s medicines include drugs to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease as well as drugs to slow the course of the disease. Researchers are investigating the impact of Deep Brain Stimulation and focused ultrasound as treatments for Parkinson’s disease motor symptoms. Researchers are using sensors to examine arm movements in Parkinson's disease and to measure gait changes. Genetic research in Parkinson’s disease is important as new drugs are being developed which may target people who carry a specific Parkinson’s gene. Environmental toxins likely contribute to disease risk; studies are investigating the role of manganese in welders and chlorpyrifos in veterans. Living well with Parkinson’s disease is a goal of treatment. Researchers are investigating the impacts of Rock Steady Boxing, and the role of art therapy in Parkinson’s disease.

Patient services

The department’s interdisciplinary team of movement disorder specialists provide services that include:
  • Clinical care
  • Clinical trials
  • Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
  • Neuropsychology evaluations and psychological counseling
  • Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Genetic counseling