Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center

Support research and care to give Parkinson’s patients a better quality of life.

Donate to Parkinson’s Disease Research and Treatment

Although Parkinson’s disease is known for motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and shuffling gait, patients also experience difficulties with speaking, swallowing, and cognition. As the disease progresses, these symptoms worsen and can make daily life extremely challenging for both patients and their loved ones.

The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center is a national model for comprehensive treatment, care, and research. It holds the following distinctions: Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) Center of Excellence, Lewy Body Dementia Association Research Center of Excellence, and National Ataxia Foundation Center of Excellence. It is also a world leader in deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease.

Your Generosity Makes a Difference in the Lives of Patients & Caregivers

The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center is committed to improving the quality of life for patients and caregivers at every stage of the disease. It has one of the most robust community outreach and education programs in the nation, offering services such as virtual recreation and exercise classes, music therapy and expressive arts, support groups, and a Spanish-language program that reaches individuals in 18 countries.

Lonnie and Muhammad Ali Legacy Care and Legacy Caregiver Programs

A majority of Parkinson’s caregivers are also the patient’s loved ones. As the disease progresses, caregivers begin to face more significant responsibilities and challenges, leading to physical, mental, and emotional burnout. The Legacy Care and Legacy Caregiver Programs provide comprehensive care to patients with advanced Parkinson’s and vital support services to caregivers. Through the generosity of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and Barrow donors, these programs impacted more than 53,000 patients and caregivers in 2024 through respite care, clinic and home visits, virtual education and support groups, therapy classes, outreach, and more.

Integrating Parkinson’s Research and Care

In addition to providing integrative patient care, Barrow neurologists and scientists are also conducting revolutionary research. Barrow scientists are currently involved in more than a dozen clinical trials and research studies, making great strides in treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s and working towards halting the disease.

Justine Chan, MD, who completed her neurology residency and a movement disorders fellowship at Barrow, is working on a study that aims to identify predictors and protective factors of severe outcomes in advanced Parkinson’s, including uncontrolled motor and non-motor symptoms, increased emergency room visits, and caregiver strain. Through this study, Dr. Chan hopes to help develop standards of care for patients with advanced Parkinson’s.

Your Support, Their Stories

Grateful Barrow patients share how the movement disorders team has helped support and guide them along their journey.

Because of Barrow, I am able to truly enjoy all these special moments.

[Name Title]

Embracing the strong Parkinson’s community fostered by Barrow has inspired Rochelle to continue living a full life while battling the disease.

Your Donations Expand New Areas of Parkinson's Research

Parkinson's and Air Pollution

Brittany Krzyzanowski, PhD, led a groundbreaking study demonstrating a link between air pollution and Parkinson’s risk. The study pioneered state-of-the-art geospatial techniques and found that people living in regions with median levels of air pollution have a 56% greater risk of developing Parkinson’s than those living in regions with the lowest levels of air pollution.

Parkinson's and Pesticides

Dr. Krzyzanowski led a population-based study suggesting that pesticides and herbicides could make individuals 25% to 30% more susceptible to developing Parkinson’s disease.

Gene Therapy for Parkinson's

Fredric Manfredsson, PhD, is investigating whether using gene therapy to deliver the protein ACMSD to a specific pathway that becomes dysfunctional in Parkinson's can reduce the production of harmful molecules that contribute to disease progression. Dr. Manfredsson has tested this novel approach in two preclinical models of Parkinson's, with very encouraging preliminary results.

Imaging-Based Biomarkers

Ashley Stokes, PhD, is developing imaging biomarkers to help diagnose Parkinson’s disease, track its progression, and evaluate the effectiveness of therapies.

Degeneration in Essential Tremor

Holly Shill, MD, director of the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, is leading a study to determine whether degeneration in the brain's cerebellum contributes to the progression of essential tremor.

Discover More Programs

At Barrow Neurological Foundation, your donation is crucial in supporting three key areas: advanced patient care, curative research, and education for the next generation of neuroscientists. Learn more about how your donation impacts each of the areas we treat.