Our Philosophy of Interdisciplinary Care
The NYU Parkinson and Movement Disorders Center is founded on the belief that persons with Parkinson’s and their families are best cared for by an expert and dedicated team of health care professionals, working together to enhance quality of life. The team provides specialty care for those living with PD, attending to the physical, emotional and social aspects of the individual and family. The Center staff is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care throughout every stage of the disease.
The Center’s core team consists of neurologists, physiatrists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists and social workers. The services of other professionals such as neuro-psychologists are also used when needed.
The Center also has a fitness team, specially trained in Parkinson disease, through a partnership with Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, located on 76th street and Amsterdam Avenue. The NYU/JCC Parkinson Wellness fitness team works to enhance functioning and physical strength through specialty classes in Tai Chi, Pilates, yoga and Nia, a dance movement class. These fitness classes are available to persons with PD who register and are found qualified to enroll in the appropriate class. Personal trainers with knowledge in Parkinson are also available.
Core members of the Center's interdisciplinary healthcare team include:
Neurologists- are physicians who specialize in disorders of the brain and the nervous system. A movement disorder specialist is a neurologist who has completed additional training in movement disorders such as PD. They provide assessment, prescribe and monitor medications and make referrals and recommendations for care.
Occupational therapists (OT)-help individuals with activities of daily living to include feeding, bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, transfers, writing and activities in the workplace. An occupational therapist can address issues of safety, balance, coordination, and improved functioning in the home. An OT may recommend compensatory strategies, adaptive devices, and/or exercises to help regain or preserve motor and other skills to promote self-reliance and increased independence.
Physiatrists- physicians who specialize in the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. They oversee the treatment team and coordinate the physical and medical management of each individual patient. A physiatrist can monitor the patient’s therapeutic response, and makes adjustments in medications or the treatment plan to promote optimum function and enhance quality of life.
Physical therapists (PT)- healthcare professionals who evaluate and treat those problems affecting gait and mobility such as balance, strength, posture, flexibility and endurance. They coordinate individual and goal-specific exercise programs and therapeutics to enhance function. Physical therapists can also help families by teaching them safe, effective, and efficient ways to provide assistance.
Psychiatrists- physicians who specialize in treating mental and behavioral disorders. Because each person is unique, psychiatrists perform comprehensive assessment and develop a treatment plan tailored to each person’s need and beliefs. Recommended treatments can include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and medications to help specific symptoms and behaviors.
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP)- healthcare professionals trained to assess, manage and treat speech, voice, memory and swallowing problems. Treatment with an SLP can improve problems with communication, thinking and swallowing. The Speech-Language Pathology Department at NYU/Rusk provides treatment including the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Program, which has been specially designed for those with PD. NYU/Rusk’s Swallowing Center provides evaluation and treatment focused on improving swallowing function.
Social workers (SW)- healthcare professionals who conduct psychological and social assessments of individuals, couples and families to assess the range of needs persons may have, and help plan with those concerned for the best way to address these needs. They provide individual, couple and family counseling as well as lead support groups to help persons cope with stressful life events and live with chronic illness. Social workers assist persons and families in connecting with a variety of community resources and in planning for the future.