REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Project 1 Co - Investigator / Read Full Bio
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- Project 3 Co - Investigator / Read Full Bio
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- Biostatistics Core Staff / Read Full Bio
Job Titles:
- Project 3 Co - Investigator / Read Full Bio
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- Project 2 Principal Investigator / Read Full Bio
The Movement Disorders Laboratory at the University of Minnesota, directed by Dr. MacKinnon, is focused on understanding the pathophysiology of impaired movement control in people with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The laboratory uses quantitative measures of movement (whole body kinematics, multi-channel EMG, kinetics) and both non-invasive (high-resolution EEG, TMS, tDCS, startle) and invasive (local field potential recordings) techniques to examine the cortical, subcortical and spinal mechanisms contributing to the primary motor symptoms of PD (akinesia, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability and gait dysfunction). The laboratory is currently examining the relationship between REM sleep and motor disorders in people with PD, the mechanisms by which external cues facilitate gait initiation in PD and the mechanisms of impaired control of repetitive movement in PD. We are also examining how changes in the location and pathways targeted by deep brain stimulation (DBS) affect motor control in people with PD.
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- Project 1 Co - Investigator / Read Full Bio
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- Center Director
- Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology
Dr. Jerrold Vitek is Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology, Director of the Neuromodulation Research Center and Director of the Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Research at the University of Minnesota.
Job Titles:
- Imaging Core Co - Investigator
Job Titles:
- Project 1 Co - Investigator / Read Full Bio
Job Titles:
- Project 1 Co - Investigator / Read Full Bio
Job Titles:
- Project 3 Principal Investigator / Project 1 Co - Investigator / Project 2 Co - Investigator / Read Full Bio
- Project 3 Principal Investigator / Read Full Bio
The Johnson research laboratory focuses on innovating neuromodulation technologies to improve quality of life for people with neurological disorders. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is one such technology, which has helped numerous people living with Parkinson's disease reclaim control over their motor function. We focus on understanding how the brain responds and adapts to stimulation-based therapies from a combination of computational and experimental perspectives. These studies in turn provide us with a rationale to develop, evaluate, and translate new approaches for improving patient care.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Core Co - Investigator
Dr. Harel leads the team at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) that are developing tools to visualize the anatomical structures of the the basal ganglia using a powerful (7 Tesla) MRI machine. These unique new imaging methods provide a precise map of the brain's targets areas, the different nuclei and their anatomical connections, that are critically important for the success of DBS treatment.
Since arriving at the University of Minnesota in 1996, Dr. Tuite has directed more than 30 clinical trials related to Parkinson's disease (PD) and other movement disorders. In addition to evaluating new therapies, his interests include the development of novel brain MRI and nuclear imaging tests that may aid in the diagnosis of PD, increase out understanding of the disease, and monitor the effects of treatment. Dr. Tuite is also interested in rehabilitation and in developing methods to monitor and improve movements in people with PD.
Job Titles:
- Project 2 Co - Investigator / Read Full Bio
Job Titles:
- Clinical Core Co - Investigator
Job Titles:
- Biostatistics Core Co - Investigator
Job Titles:
- Project 2 Co - Investigator / Read Full Bio
Job Titles:
- Imaging Core Co - Investigator