Explore Parkinson’s Disease & Movement DisordersParkinsons Disease Movement Disorders
Receive Quality Care at the Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Center
The Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at UConn Health provides multidisciplinary, patient-centered care for people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Our program integrates patient care, research, and education in movement disorders. As an academic medical center, we train expert medical providers in neurology and movement disorders in our state, region, and country.
Seeking care from UConn Health means you and your family members and caregivers have access to a wide range of multidisciplinary resources and providers dedicated to helping you live to the fullest.
At the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, we offer quality care for patients and families affected by Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. We strive to provide a center of excellence in caring for patients with abnormal involuntary movements (AIM). We are at the forefront of research, developing and applying new treatments and therapies so you and your loved ones can have improved quality of life.
Risk Factors for Parkinson’s Disease
Some common risk factors for developing Parkinson’s Disease include:
- Age: Older adults are more at risk, and the average age for onset is 60
- Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop Parkinson’s disease
- Genetics: If you have a parent or sibling with Parkinson’s disease, you are also more likely to develop it
- Environmental factors: Exposure to some chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, Agent Orange, solvents, and detergents, could all contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease
- Head trauma: Repeated blows to the head can lead to Parkinson’s disease
Symptoms
Some common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders include:
- Tremors
- Rigid muscles
- Slowed movements
- Interruptions to or loss of automatic body movements like blinking or smiling
- Impaired posture and balance
- Changes in speech and writing
Specialties
From the moment you develop symptoms to a confirmed diagnosis and every moment after, UConn Health’s multidisciplinary teams are engaged in your care and well-being. We provide care and services related to:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Tremors
- Dystonia
- Functional movement disorders
- Deep brain stimulation
- Movement rehabilitation
- Botulinum toxin
- Supportive care and planning
Our Services & Resources
We help Parkinson’s and movement disorder patients and their families connect with a variety of resources, including:
- Support groups
- Parkinson's Foundation Ambassador program
- Specialized training, education, and care for movement disorders
- Online resources and foundations to build a sense of community
Research & Clinical Trials
As an academic medical center, UConn Health is advancing research and cutting-edge treatments for Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders. Our communities rely on our leadership, education, research findings, and health resources across Connecticut and around the world. As we endeavor to learn more about diseases like Parkinson’s—and to one day find a cure—our dedication to patients, their families, and communities is unwavering.