OHSU Parkinson Center

06/02/2026

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

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...

06/01/2026

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!

AbstractImportance. There is unclear evidence on when to initiate physical therapy after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in a non-athlete, adult populat

05/04/2026

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 -

Watch presentations on a wide variety of Parkinson’s disease topics. OHSU Parkinson Center experts offer insights on relationships, memory, sleep, and mobility

05/04/2026

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.

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...

04/03/2026

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

04/01/2026

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.

03/24/2026

We would like to invite you to join us for the New York Presbyterian 2026 Annual Parkinson’s Disease Symposium for patients, caregivers, community partners, allied health professionals, and physicians in honor of Parkinson's Awareness Month. Below you will find the link to register for this event. The symposium is free to attend, but registration is required. We hope to see you there!

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: NYP 2026 Parkinson's Disease Symposium. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

03/24/2026

We are thrilled to have Martina Mancini representing OHSU's Balance Lab at the World PD World Parkinson Congress!

We’re excited to welcome Martina Mancini, Ph.D. (USA) as a Roundtable host at !
Her session will explore what’s new in gait and mobility research and the pipeline of advances for Parkinson’s.

View the Scientific Program:
https://wpc2026.org/ScientificProgram

03/02/2026

Today, we are highlighting, "Consensus expert recommendations for referral of Parkinson’s disease patients for deep brain stimulation surgery" by Delaram Safarpour and Nathan Hantke as our Paper of the Month for March.

This article offers clear, expert-agreed guidance for doctors about when people with Parkinson’s disease should be referred for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery—a procedure that can significantly reduce troublesome movement symptoms and improve quality of life when medications are no longer enough. The international panel of specialists emphasizes that DBS should be considered earlier rather than as a last resort, alongside ongoing medication adjustments, and that doctors should educate patients and caregivers to correct misconceptions and reduce fear of brain surgery. The recommendations outline practical criteria for identifying appropriate candidates, encourage referrals at the right time, and aim to improve access to this beneficial treatment for suitable patients.

Deep brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery effectively alleviates troublesome motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, motor fluctuations and dyskinesia. It also improves some non-motor symptoms and quality of life. DBS should thus be considered when these sympt...

02/05/2026

Do you have someone in your life with Parkinson’s disease? Whether you are a spouse, sibling, or friend, PDX Care Partners Group is here to support you so you can support them. Whether you are a spouse, sibling, or friend, join the PDX Care Partners Group on the 4th Monday of each month, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM, Steeplejack Brewing Company (South Hall), 2400 NE Broadway, Portland, Oregon.

Opportunity just for care partners to meet, chat, and hang out with others who support people living with Parkinson's in Portland, Oregon.