OHSU Parkinson Center

Our very own Dr. Lauren Talman received the award for Professionalism from OHSU's Professional Board. This is a high honor and are beyond excited and proud for Dr. Talman

This week was filled with many exciting moments for our department and division. We are officially opening our Neuroscience Intermediate Care unit later this month. This is a huge step towards better continuity of care for our patients.

Our very own Shannon Anderson, MPAS, PA-C was on the Neuropraxis: The Neurology Educator's Podcast! You can list to the podcast here!

Episode 8: Right Place, Right Time with Shannon Anderson, PA-C - Neuropraxis: The Neurology Educator's Podcast What does it take to learn neurology on the job, and how can we make this process smoother? A growing number of advanced practice providers (APPs) are joining the neurology workforce, yet few have neurology specific training in their educatio...

We are highlighting "In People With Subacute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Earlier Physical Therapy Improved Symptoms at a Faster Rate Than Later Physical Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial" by Laurie King as our Paper of the Month this June.

This randomized controlled trial examined whether starting physical therapy earlier versus later after a subacute mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI, or concussion) affected recovery. Researchers found that participants who began physical therapy sooner experienced a faster reduction in concussion-related symptoms compared with those whose therapy was delayed. The intervention targeted common post-concussion problems such as dizziness, balance impairments, and movement dysfunction, and both groups ultimately improved, but the early-treatment group recovered at a quicker rate. The findings suggest that, rather than waiting for symptoms to resolve on their own, initiating individualized physical therapy during the subacute phase of mTBI may accelerate symptom improvement and functional recovery, supporting a more proactive rehabilitation approach for people with persistent post-concussion symptoms.

Please click on the link below to learn more about it!

In People With Subacute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Earlier Physical Therapy Improved Symptoms at a Faster Rate Than Later Physical Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial AbstractImportance. There is unclear evidence on when to initiate physical therapy after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in a non-athlete, adult populat

The first video of our Essential Tools series is available in our patient video library! Our very own Dr. Jeff Kraakevik has put together a talk on Parkinson's 101! Review the videos here under the "Essential Tools" category -

Parkinson's Disease: Video Library | Brain Institute | OHSU Watch presentations on a wide variety of Parkinson’s disease topics. OHSU Parkinson Center experts offer insights on relationships, memory, sleep, and mobility

Our Paper of the Month for May is: Genome-wide analysis reveals genes mediating resistance to paraquat neurodegeneration in Drosophila by Ian Martin.

This study examines how genetic differences influence susceptibility to Parkinson’s disease following exposure to the pesticide Paraquat. Using a fruit fly model that mimics delayed-onset dopaminergic neuron loss, the researchers analyzed nearly 200 genetically distinct strains and found that genetic background strongly affects vulnerability to toxin-induced neurodegeneration. Their genome-wide analysis identified two genes, luna and CG32264, that appear to protect against neuronal damage: reduced expression increased neuron loss, while overexpression prevented it. Notably, the mammalian equivalent of CG32264 (Phactr2) has been previously linked to human Parkinson’s risk, suggesting these findings may translate to humans and highlighting the importance of gene–environment interactions in pesticide-related neurodegeneration.

Genome-wide analysis reveals genes mediating resistance to paraquat neurodegeneration in Drosophila Parkinson's disease (PD) is thought to develop through a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Epidemiological studies have linked exposure to certain pesticides such as paraquat with elevated PD risk, although how a person's genetic makeup influences disease risk upon exposure rem...

Our paper of the month for April is "Effects of Levodopa on Gait in People With Parkinson’s Disease With and Without a History of Falls" by Martina Mancini, Patty Carlson-Kuhta, Jay Nutt, Fay Horak, and Vrutangkumar Shah.

The impact of levodopa on gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly in those with and without a history of falls, remains unclear. This study examines whether levodopa alters digital gait characteristics in fallers and non-fallers with PD to those observed in healthy controls (HC) and identifies key gait and turning measures most influenced by levodopa. The findings suggest that impaired turning and gait shuffling in PD may be associated with falls and that dopamine replacement therapy, as well as rehabilitation, focused on improving turning and gait shuffling may reduce fall risk.
https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/mdc3.70330

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month 💙

Parkinson’s disease affects millions of people and their families, yet so much about it remains misunderstood. This month is about raising awareness, supporting those living with Parkinson’s, and pushing for continued research toward better treatments and a cure.

Let’s take time to learn, and stand together.