The state’s top experts in Parkinson’s disease have joined together to bring resources and information to patients and physicians. The Michigan Parkinson Initiative is made possible by $200,000 in funding from the Department of Community Health.

Wayne State University faculty members Drs. Paul Cullis, Edwin George and Peter LeWitt will participate in a series of “second opinion” clinics over the next year. These traveling clinics will bring multidisciplinary teams to 15 locations throughout Michigan to evaluate Parkinson’s patients and assist local physicians in disease management and treatment options. Services are provided free of charge.

“Parkinson’s disease is difficult to manage because there are many new medications and there are many side effects and complications of the disease,” said Edwin George, MD, assistant professor of neurology at WSU and participant in the initiative. “These visits from the state’s experts will benefit patients whose doctors may not necessarily be up-to-date on the newest technologies, drugs or treatments. Health care teams can meet with patients and their families to draw up an assessment and treatment plan with a detailed set of recommendations for their individualized care. The patient can then discuss this with their caregivers and local providers.”

Free educational sessions will also be provided for patients, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and occupational and speech therapists. Updates on new treatments will be provided and resources will be identified to improve care for people with Parkinson’s disease.

The Michigan Parkinson Initiative is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Michigan Parkinson Foundation, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University and Henry Ford Health System.