Sunrise in Hunts Mesa navajo tribal majesty place

Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center

At a Glance: The Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center

The diagnosis of a movement disorder like Parkinson’s disease is undoubtedly overwhelming, but we want every one of our patients to know they’re far from powerless. Recent advances in medicine and surgical treatments will equip you or your loved one with new tools—and doctors at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center will place them squarely in your hands.

Our team of neurologists, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists is dedicated to providing the best clinical care, research, rehabilitation, education, and support. It’s why we’ve earned the distinction as a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence and we’re a world leader in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and focused ultrasound for the treatment of movement disorders.

Our range of recreational therapies to benefit the mind, body, and spirit are plentiful, while educational workshops and support groups are available for both those Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers. We’re even home to a Hispanic Outreach Program, as well as a Community Outreach Program.

To learn more or make an appointment with a movement disorder specialist, please give us a call at (602) 406-6262.

The Barrow Difference

Barrow Neurological Institute is a world leader in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for the treatment of movement disorders. Our Center’s neurologists work closely with neurosurgeons in the DBS Program and are trained in the programming of DBS devices.

Additionally, we offer rehabilitative therapy to maximize you or your loved one’s function and quality of life. Our physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists have advanced training in the management of movement disorders and perform one-on-one evaluations to establish individualized treatment plans, based on you or your loved one’s abilities and goals.

Our commitment to improve the quality of life for everyone who visits our Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center doesn’t stop at individual patient care—we’re always considering families and the greater Parkinson’s community, too.

Nurse caring for senior woman in wheelchair

Community Outreach and Wellness

The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center’s Community Outreach Program is one of the most robust in the country, working to help patients and their families navigate the everyday challenges of Parkinson’s disease. What’s more, we offer these services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay and where they receive their care.  

Our outreach services include:

  • Education — We’re committed to helping patients and their families better understand and self-manage this chronic condition. We also make our educational opportunities available to health care providers, professional caregivers, and the public at large. 
  • Exercise — We strongly encourage those with Parkinson’s disease to consider exercise an integral part of their treatment plan. This is why we offer classes like boxing, dance, yoga, Tai Chi, PWR!Moves, and PWR!Circuit. 
  • Expressive Arts — Our expressive arts workshops emphasize self-expression and creativity, regardless of artistic experience.
  • Support Groups — We facilitate different types of support groups across the Phoenix metro area and the state of Arizona, fostering camaraderie and providing you or your loved one with new coping strategies. 
  • Social Work Services — We serve every individual’s divergent needs for support, resources, and referrals.
doctor holding senior patient's hand

Hispanic Outreach Program

The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center’s Hispanic Outreach Program emphasizes delivering services in a culturally sensitive manner and includes:

  • Art Classes
  • Education for Patients and Care Partners
  • Exercise Classes
  • Support Groups
  • Promotores — Volunteer patient liaisons trained to provide education and support in-home.
  • Voces Unidas — An award-winning Spanish choir dedicated to raising awareness of Parkinson’s disease.

Legacy Care Program 

Lonnie Ali’s vision for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center is for all patients to receive the same level of personalized care that her husband did. To that end, Barrow has created the Lonnie and Muhammad Ali Legacy Care Program, a supportive care clinic focused on providing relief for the whole person. Not only do we treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, we help address the emotional, psychosocial, practical, cultural, and spiritual aspects of Parkinson’s on you or your loved one’s life.

The Legacy Care team works closely with each neurologist to provide patient-centered care and includes health care professionals with backgrounds in neuro-rehabilitation, social work, nutrition, and chaplain services. The program also offers in-home and telemedicine visits for eligible patients with mobility and travel challenges. These patients can communicate with their physician and access tools such as lectures, support groups, and exercise classes—entirely from the comforts of their home.

To learn more or make an appointment with a movement disorder specialist, please give us a call at (602) 406-6262.

John and Karen O'Donnell pose with their paintings

The staff at the Center is amazing. One of the things that I love about them is they’re constantly innovating and looking at new programs.

Karen O'Donnell Wife of patient John O'Donnell
Smiling couple

Although the staff at Barrow cannot help cure my disease or even slow its progression, they do a lot to help me retain a positive attitude. They also help with all the incidental problems that cause stress.

Ann Rooney-Schweikle Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center patient

Location

Barrow Neurological Institute campus in 3D

Support & Wellness

Videos

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Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor and Tremor-Dominant Parkinson's Disease

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Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease

Catching the Signals for Better Communication Workshop

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