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

Videos

Lunch and Learn Video Series

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

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

Barrow Neurosurgeon Francisco Ponce, MD, gives an overview of focused ultrasound thalamotomy…
Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease

Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease

Join nutritionist Debbie Polisky, MS, MBA, to learn about nutrition and Parkinson’s…
Catching the Signals for Better Communication Workshop

Catching the Signals for Better Communication Workshop

Shannon Arriola, MC, presents on compassionate communication in Parkinson’s disease.
Medical and Non-Medical Approaches for Symptom Management in Lewy Body Dementia

Medical and Non-Medical Approaches for Symptom Management in Lewy Body Dementia

Anna Burke, MD, of the Barrow Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Program, and…
Genetics and Parkinson's Disease

Genetics and Parkinson's Disease

James Beck, PhD. chief scientific officer at the Parkinson’s Foundation, presents on…
New Parkinson's Disease Medications

New Parkinson's Disease Medications

Learn about the pros and cons of new Parkinson’s disease medications.
Disorders of Sleep & Alertness in Parkinson's Disease

Disorders of Sleep & Alertness in Parkinson's Disease

Learn about disorders of sleep and alertness that sometimes accompany Parkinson’s disease.
Impulse Control Behaviors in Parkinson's Disease

Impulse Control Behaviors in Parkinson's Disease

Justine Chan, MD, movement disorders specialist at Barrow, presents on impulse control…
What's New in Parkinson's Disease Research

What's New in Parkinson's Disease Research

Barrow neurologist, Holly Shill, MD, presents on new advancements in Parkinson’s disease…

Tips for Patients and Caregivers

Get into Bed Safely Using Your Hands and Knees

Get into Bed Safely Using Your Hands and Knees

Tips for using your hands and knees to get into bed safely….
Tips for Pulling Off Bedsheets

Tips for Pulling Off Bedsheets

Learn how to easily remove bed sheets if you have Parkinson’s disease.
Tips for Getting In and Out of Bed

Tips for Getting In and Out of Bed

Learn how to easily get in and out of bed if you…
How to Use the Super Pole

How to Use the Super Pole

See how the Super Pole can aid people with Parkinson’s disease and…
How to Install a Bed Rail

How to Install a Bed Rail

This video advises people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers on how…
Using a Bed Rail to Get In and Out of Bed

Using a Bed Rail to Get In and Out of Bed

Learn how to use a bed rail to get in and out…
Getting Up from a Couch

Getting Up from a Couch

Learn some helpful tips for getting up from a couch. Designed for…

About Barrow Neurological Institute

Minding What Matters Most

Minding What Matters Most

Here at Barrow Neurological Institute, we are preserving thoughts, memories, dreams, personalities,…

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