The Importance of Choosing a Parkinson's Disease Center of Excellence

Living with Parkinson's disease can present many challenges, for both patients and their families. From managing symptoms to deciding on the right treatment pathway, a diagnosis can impact various aspects of daily life, putting physical and emotional burdens on you and your loved ones.

Choosing the right facility for Parkinson’s care, is very important. From offering a complete range of medical and therapeutic treatments to providing access to the most experienced experts, we take a look at how seeking care at a leading Parkinson’s facility can make a big difference on quality of life.

Comprehensive treatment options

Advances in medicine in recent years have meant that new treatment options are now available to treat Parkinson’s, which are offering hope to many patients.

One of the main advantages of choosing a leading facility for Parkinson's treatment is access to a full range of treatment options, including cutting-edge surgeries.

For example, deep brain stimulation, first introduced in the UAE at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, is an advanced surgical procedure that uses electrical currents to treat Parkinson's. The procedure offers life-changing results to some patients, when their symptoms are no longer well controlled by medication.

Access to experienced experts

Experience really matters when it comes to managing Parkinson's disease. If a healthcare professional has dedicated years to understanding and treating the complexities of Parkinson’s, the patient benefits immensely from their expertise.

By choosing a Parkinson’s center of excellence, you have access to specialists with extensive, specialist experience. They will be up to date on the latest advancements in treatment, offering patients the most advanced and effective care available.

Collaboration with a wider network

When a Parkinson’s facility has access to a global network, the breadth of expertise is widened. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Parkinson’s Program is a satellite center of the Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders at Cleveland Clinic in the US, designated a Parkinson’s Disease Center of Excellence by the Parkinson’s Foundation. The center is the first multi-site program – which includes Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi – to receive the designation, based on the high number of patients treated, participation in innovative clinical trials and offering a team approach to patient care.

Multidisciplinary team approach

Parkinson's disease can affect various aspects of a person's life. As well as their physical health, their emotional, cognitive, and social wellbeing can be affected, and it is important that each of these are considered when providing care.

Centers of excellence employ a multidisciplinary team approach to Parkinson’s care, bringing together neurologists, movement disorder specialists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers, and more, to address the diverse needs of patients and their families.

Taking a holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a patient's wellbeing are considered, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

A personalized approach

Parkinson's disease affects everyone differently, meaning a personalized approach is needed to ensure symptoms are managed effectively.

Leading facilities will have access to a range of treatments, which may include pharmacological, rehabilitative, and surgical therapies, tailored to the individual’s needs, ensuring symptoms are managed as effectively as possible and quality of life is as improved.

Holistic care for patients and families

Living with Parkinson's not only impacts the patient, but also their loved ones. Family members may be acting as caregivers at home, facing their own challenges and concerns.

By seeking care at a leading facility, wider care teams will recognize the importance of supporting both patients and their families. They can provide much needed education, counseling, resources and support to help families navigate the physical, emotional, and practical aspects of Parkinson's care.

By addressing the needs of everyone involved, a supportive environment is created that enhances overall wellbeing for all.

The right choice

Choosing a leading facility for Parkinson's care offers numerous advantages to the patient and their family, which can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

From advanced treatment options and experienced experts through to support networks and access to resources, the right Parkinson’s center will prioritize quality care and individualized attention, empowering patients to live their best lives when faced with the challenges that Parkinson's may present.

A note from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

The Parkinson’s Disease and Research Center at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is the only center in the UAE to offer all treatment modalities for patients with early or late stages of Parkinson’s disease. Our multidisciplinary team of experts includes world-renowned neurologists who are fellowship trained in Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders, a functional neurosurgeon, an excellent team of physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and is supported by psychiatry, psychology, gastroenterology, and urology teams.

Learn more.