Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is most often associated with the obvious physical symptoms of tremors, stiffness and unsteadiness. But many PD symptoms are more subtle and are manifested as changes in behaviour, personality, sleep patterns and memory. PD is a complex disease that ultimately affects all aspects of a patient’s life.
At the Kremibl Neuroscience Centre (KNC), we’re working to restore brain health and slow the progression of PD. The Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease at KNC is the largest of its kind in North America and is leading innovation in research and patient care.
In 1994, we became the first hospital in North America to successfully utilize Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease. By using electrical stimulation on targeted areas in the brain, DBS blocks abnormal nerve signals that cause tremors and other Parkinson’s symptoms.
Translational research at KNC has identified several brain chemicals, other than dopamine, that are involved in Parkinson’s disease. This discovery – a world first – indicates that it is possible to alleviate symptoms without restoring dopamine.
We’ve created the first multidisciplinary Palliative Care Program for Parkinson’s Disease in the world. While PD is not terminal, palliative care is extremely beneficial in helping patients and their families manage the physical, psychological, and social changes that occur during the progression of PD.
Restoring and protecting neural function – essentially curing PD – is within our grasp. Our progress towards a cure has been fuelled by donor support for innovation and discovery. We need your help to continue the momentum of discovery in PD research and make a cure a reality.
There’s always an answer. We’ll find it.
You can support our leading-edge work, fulfill your charitable goals and achieve the best tax savings possible by making a current or planned gift, which includes cash, securities, a bequest or gift by will, a gift of life insurance, retirement plans, or residual interest gifts.
Opportunities to support the Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease include investing in Functional Neurosurgery facilities that enable surgeons to pinpoint affected areas of the brain. In-perpetuity funding for Chairs and Fellowships provides long-term funding that ensures our scientists can pursue in-depth studies.For more information on how you can help us find the answers, please contact:
Stuart McBurnie
Director Campaigns, Movement Disorders, Epilepsy and Psychiatry
Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation
T: 416-603-5800 ext 3270
E: stuart.mcburnie@uhn.on.ca
