Developing a Parkinson’s Disease Care and Research Network

Dr. Miller focused his efforts on creating a Parkinson’s disease care and research network for the 7-county I-69 Thumb Region. He deployed a multi-disciplinary team of students to document and share Parkinson’s disease (PD) resources in the region by developing relationships with medical providers and interacting with those affected by Parkinson’s disease. The project resulted in the creation of an interactive map demonstrating the need for additional PD resources in the area. The research also solidified the need for creating a PD Care and Research Network by connecting researchers and collaborating on an event, “UM-Flint PD Moves,” that allowed members of the PD community to experience some of the resources that are available to them and meet care-providers and researchers in the region. This work is of economic importance as the region’s population grows older and the prevalence of PD diagnoses increases. The project has also led to potential collaborations with other faculty researchers.

Partner:

Dr.Amy Yorke, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy