Care for Parkinson Disease at University of Colorado Hospital
Why Choose Treatment for Parkinson Disease at University of Colorado Hospital?
The University of Colorado Hospital Movement Disorder Clinic features a comprehensive surgical program for Parkinson disease and an active clinical research program. Three fellowship-trained movement disorder specialists and a nurse practitioner trained in movement disorders provide care. In addition, the clinic features a comprehensive surgical program for Parkinson disease.
What is Parkinson Disease?
Parkinson disease is a movement disorder most commonly characterized by tremors of the hands, arms and face. Parkinson disease affects nerve cells in the brain that control muscle movement.
People who suffer from Parkinson disease generally have the following symptoms:
- Tremors of the hands, legs, arms and/or face
- Stiffness in the trunk, arms and/or legs
- Poor balance
- Slow movement
Parkinson disease affects 1 million people in the U.S. The cause of the disease is unknown, although scientists believe it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Parkinson Disease: Featured Doctors
Dr. Deborah Hall is the coordinator of the Movement Disorder Clinic at the University of Colorado Hospital. She is a movement disorder specialist and has a large clinical practice for children and adults. The bulk of her clinical practice is Parkinson disease.
Dr. Olga Klepitskaya is a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders and surgical treatment of movement disorders. Her area of expertise is Deep Brain Stimulation surgery for Parkinson disease.
Dr. Maureen Leehey is a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders. Her area of expertise includes neuroprotection for Parkinson disease, testing therapies for the disorder and transplantation.
Parkinson Disease Research
The University of Colorado Hospital Movement Disorder Clinic researches a number of areas, including agents that slow down the progression of a disease, known as neuroprotectors. Other research areas include genetics and epidemiology of movement disorders, the use of deep brain stimulation surgery in Parkinson disease.
Technology and Parkinson Disease
University of Colorado scientists are investigating cutting edge technology, such as the use of fetal and stem cell transplants to treat Parkinson disease.