Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases
@FixelInstitute
Where cutting-edge research transforms lives affected by Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Dystonia, and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Dr. Gregory Pontone & team explore demoralization in Parkinson’s: a distinct condition marked by hopelessness & loss of purpose. Bottom line: Depression = mood disorder Demoralization = coping failure & existential distress 🔗 Read more: …mentdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.10…
A generous gift from the RMS Family Foundation is funding a 2-year fellowship at @FixelInstitute—training the next generation of Parkinson’s experts. 🎓 For founder Dr. Randy Schilsky, this investment is personal. 🔗 Read more: fixel.ufhealth.org/2025/07/25/fue… #FundTheFuture #Parkinsons
🖤 In remembrance of Ozzy Osbourne, who passed at 76 after a long battle with PD. His courage and openness brought global attention to Parkinson’s—a step toward greater understanding and progress. Dr. Michael Okun shares insight on the risks: 🔗 healthline.com/health-news/oz…
Researchers in Taiwan found that semaglutide and tirzepatide may lower the risk of dementia, stroke, and death in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 🧠 🔗 Read more about the study: jamanetwork.com/journals/jaman…
🧠 How can social workers support DBS patients? On the latest MDS Podcast, Nicole Duff and Dr. Amanda Currie discuss a new mnemonic to guide referrals, the impact of social work in DBS care, and future directions. 🎧 Listen here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/do-…
New study by Dr. Adolfo Ramirez-Zamora & team shows big differences in how Parkinson’s care is delivered worldwide. The Fixel Institute remains committed to advancing consistent, patient-centered care. 🔗 Learn more: …mentdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/md…
Two dogs sniffed out Parkinson’s with up to 80% accuracy—just by smelling skin swabs. A UK study from University of Bristol, University of Manchester, and Medical Detection Dogs reveals the surprising power of canine noses in early detection. Learn more! pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40659046/
🧠 Hoarding disorder is more than clutter—it's linked to depression, inattention & memory issues. Dr. Carol Mathews & team identified distinct subtypes, offering new insight into OCD & related conditions. 🔗Learn more: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40642755/
Coach Billy Napier is honoring his late father with a gift to launch the first-ever Napier ALS Fellowship at Fixel Institute. 🧠 Meet the inaugural fellow + learn how personal loss is driving progress in ALS research. Story by Grace Huff ⬇️ fixel.ufhealth.org/2025/07/16/coa…
The brain’s sensory system might be doing more in ALS than we thought—maybe even too much. 🧠⚡ New research is uncovering hidden changes that could reshape how we understand the disease. 🔗 Click the link to learn more: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12…
Can a gentle ear zap improve sleep for veterans with PTSD? 🧠💤 Dr. Michael Jaffee and collaborators put it to the test—click the link to learn more: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40489292/
Dr. Kelly Foote, Dr. Michael Okun & team are asking big questions about Alzheimer’s—and testing bold solutions like brain stimulation. 🧠 Click the link to dive into the research: alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/al…
The results might surprise you—read the full study by clicking the link: academic.oup.com/braincomms/adv…
Dr. Kusyk reflects on his time at Fixel and the advice that’s shaped his journey. He’s heading to Allegheny Health Network with a vision to develop a hub for movement + psychiatric neuromodulation—and to expand access to DBS for OCD.🎉
Can lifestyle changes help prevent dementia? 🧠 The CITA GO-ON trial in Spain is putting it to the test with exercise, brain training & more. Results coming in 2026—this could change public health worldwide. 🔗 Read more: frontiersin.org/journals/aging…
Dr. Irene Malaty and an international team of researchers set out to improve mental health screening for people with cervical dystonia. 🧠💬 See what they discovered—click the link to learn more: sciencedirect.com/science/articl…
Dr. Amanda Currie reflects on her favorite Fixel memories 💙 We’re so proud as she takes her next step—joining the Movement Disorders faculty at Vanderbilt! 🎉 Read more in our latest post. #FixelFellows #MovementDisorders #VanderbiltBound
Photos from last week’s Movement Disorder & Neurosurgery Fellowship celebration! We’re proud to honor Drs. Amanda Currie, Dorian Kusyk, Enrique Martinez Nunez, and Rachael Burke. ✨Check out our Insta and Facebook stories for highlights of all our 2025 Fixel fellowship grads!
Constipation is one of the most common — and overlooked — symptoms of Parkinson’s. 🧠 “PD is not just a tremor or gait disorder — it affects the entire nervous system,” says Dr. Michael Okun. Learn more + how to manage it: healthcentral.com/condition/park…
PD doesn’t just affect movement—it can also impact memory and thinking. 🧠 Cognitive changes vary widely, and there are ways to manage them. Dr. Okun shares his perspective on “cognitive superstars” and protecting brain health. 🔗: aarp.org/health/conditi…
