Movement Disorders/Parkinson's

MCGHealth Neuroscience Center Designated as Center of Excellence by National Parkinson Foundation

The MCGHealth Neuroscience Center's Movement Disorders Clinic, led by Dr. Kapil Sethi, has been designated a Center of Excellence by the National Parkinson's Foundation Inc., the largest international organization supporting scientific and clinical initiatives for patients with Parkinson's disease and their families. MCGHealth is the only facility in Georgia and South Carolina to obtain this designation for its clinical and basic science research as well as for its physical, speech and occupational therapy programs for patients with this neurodegenerative disease.

Designation as one of the 62 Centers of Excellence carries with it annual funds from the Miami-based foundation to support research and clinical initiatives as well as sponsorship for an annual symposium. "We are excited about the opportunity to more closely affiliate with the premier organization in Parkinson's disease," said Dr. Sethi, Director of the MCGHealth Movement Disorders Clinic. "The National Parkinson Foundation not only supports the professionals who provide care and explore better treatments, but also the patients and families who live with this disease."

With the designation comes an initial $30,000 grant that can be used for a nurse to work with the clinic and serve as a liaison to local support groups. There is an active support group in Augusta, and this grant will help develop groups in rural areas, according to Dr. Sethi. The MCGHealth Movement Disorders Clinic began in 1985 and the clinic sees close to 1,000 patients including many from North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida. "We sought this designation because the foundationís goals are in concert with ours: to expand the opportunities we offer patients and their families as well as to promote awareness, foster research and ultimately find a cure for this dreadful disease," said Dr. Sethi. Don Snell, President and Chief Executive Officer of MCG Health, Inc. said this significant achievement parallels one of the most important strategic imperatives of MCG Health, Inc. - to develop and promote clinical centers of excellence. He said it was a step toward achieving the health care leadership position in the Central Savannah River Area.

The MCGHealth Neurosciences Center provides the latest medical and surgical treatment, including pallidotomy and deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. MCGHealth is also involved in many clinical studies to find better treatments including several new drugs that slow disease progression. Basic science research is under way that involves exploring the mechanisms of cell death, including environmental toxins that may play a role in the destruction of brain cells that occur with the disease. Research studies are also under way evaluating the use of stem cells to reverse the disease process.

"This designation carries recognition that the MCGHealth Movement Disorders Clinic is as good as anyone else in the country," said Dr. Sethi.