Parkinson’s is a debilitating disease that affects more than one million Americans, with as many as 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Because there is no cure at this time, it is important that patients with Parkinson’s disease be treated at a hospital focused on providing advanced care. Cleveland Clinic Florida was recently designated as a Center of Excellence by the Parkinson’s Foundation. There are only 31 Centers of Excellence in this country and 45 worldwide to receive this honor.
The sought-after Center of Excellence designation identifies hospitals and academic medical centers with specialized teams of neurologists, movement disorders specialists, physical and occupational therapists, and mental health professionals who are the leading edge of the latest medications, therapies and innovations in Parkinson’s disease.
“Innovation in clinical research, patient care and education is at the forefront of our mission,” said Badih Adada, MD, Neuroscience Institute Director at Cleveland Clinic Florida. “To be distinguished as a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the world-class treatment and research of Parkinson’s disease, and we are incredibly honored to receive this recognition.”
John Lehr, president and chief executive officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation, credits Cleveland Clinic Florida for its efforts in the advancement of Parkinson’s care. “Cleveland Clinic Florida plays an integral role in advancing research and treatments for the community of one million people currently living with Parkinson’s disease. The Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence designation symbolizes leadership in providing high-quality Parkinson’s care.”
The Center of Excellence designation is awarded based on a rigorous application and peer-review process with the following criteria:
Must see at least 700 unique patients with Parkinson’s disease annually;
Conduct research relevant to Parkinson’s and/or conduct clinical trials for Parkinson’s;
Provide exemplary team care, including a neurologist with training in movement disorders, nurse, social workers, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech-language pathologist;
Promote access to wellness programs for patients;
Facilitate educational events for patients and families.
Using a multidisciplinary approach that brings together a team of specialists, The Pauline Braathen Neurological Center at Cleveland Clinic Florida offers medical management and innovative surgical options for patients diagnosed with a variety of movement disorders including Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonian Syndrome. Neurologists utilize state of the art equipment and unique diagnostic techniques to help confirm a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and rule out other diseases with similar symptoms. Treatment plans for patients with Parkinson’s include medication management and surgical treatment, known as deep brain stimulation.
As a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, Cleveland Clinic Florida will take part in an annual “Center Leadership Conference” which provides updates on care and research initiatives.
