Neurology Research Programs

• Clinical Studies
  
        Parkinson's Disease
  
  

  NET-PD LS1 CREATINE NEUROPROTECTION TRIAL: For more information and/or eligibility criteria visit http://www.parkinsontrial.ninds.nih.gov/ or contact the MSU Parkinson's Disease Research Team at 1-517-353-8122 x126.

  
  

• Cognitive Neurology
  
  The focus of work within this area is on the interface of “normal” age-related cognitive decline and the development of progressive dysfunction leading to dementia. We are involved in studying what cognitive changes signify a cause for concern, what neuroimaging can serve to best distinguish benign cognitive impairment from early senescence, and most importantly, whether particular lifestyle interventions, such as regular “cognitive exercise” can help improve normal and impaired cognitive functioning. (Andrea Bozoki, M.D.)

• International Neurologic and Psychiatric Epidemiology Program (INPEP)
  
  Neurologic and psychiatric disorders represent a substantial proportion of the global burden of disease. Nowhere is this burden more evident than in developing countries, where both clinical expertise and the research capacity appropriate for investigating such disorders are lacking. The MSU International Neurologic and Psychiatric Epidemiology Program (INPEP) utilizes epidemiologic methods to study neurologic and psychiatric conditions that impact public health in developing regions of the world. Such conditions include neurodevelopmental disabilities, epilepsy, central nervous system infections, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and stroke among others. (INPEP) (Gretchen Birbeck, M.D., M.P.H., D.T.M.H) (Michael Boivin, Ph.D., M.P.H.)

• Neuro-Ophthalmology
  
  

  We favor using the eye and optic nerve as a simplified model for brain disease to pursue prognosis and treatment strategies for a variety of neurological disorders. This includes Optic Neuritis as a model for Multiple Sclerosis, Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy as a model for Stroke, the effects of Tamoxifen on the eye and optic nerve to better understand effects on the central nervous system and other investigations.

• Other investigations have included prognosis and therapeutic strategy for stroke using MRI and a variety of different compounds. More recent investigations have been initiated to look at Migraine and Imaging. (David Kaufman, D.O.) (Eric Eggenberger, D.O.) (Sunita Yedavally, D.O.)

• Neuropathology Research Core Laboratory
  
  

  This laboratory is established to provide both consultation and technical support (histology, light and fluorescence microscopy) for both basic and translational research projects involving the nervous system. Additional support is available through the MSU Pathology Division and the Electron Microscopy facility. Current ongoing studies include the basal forebrain anatomy and spinal cord injury. Collaboration projects under development include atherosclerosis, stroke, Restless Legs Syndrome, and cerebral malaria. Please do not hesitate to call or email me with any questions. (Howard Chang, M.D., Ph.D.

• Translational Neurobiology
  
  Genetic and environmental factors involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's Disease (PD). PD is a progressive illness characterized by resting tremor, slowness and stiffness of movement in addition to problems with balance and walking. PD is a common disease, affecting nearly 1 million people in the United States. The cause of PD is unknown, but combinations of both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play an important role. The goal of our research is to develop novel neuroprotective or neurorestorative therapeutics to slow, halt or reverse the progressive neurodegeneration for patients with PD. Active research projects in the Translational Neurobiology Research Unit extend from the bench to the bedside, including investigations into disease pathogenesis, preclinical testing of novel drugs and clinic trials of therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases like PD. (John Goudreau, D.O., Ph.D. Neurology and Pharmacology & Toxicology) (Seong-Woon Yu, PhD. Neurology and Pharmacology & Toxicology)

faculty Research profiles

• Cognitive Neurology (Andrea Bozoki, M.D.)
• Medical Education (Kathy Lovell, Ph.D.)
• Movement Disorders (John Goudreau, D.O., Ph.D.)
• Multiple Sclerosis (Eric Eggenberger, D.O.)
• Neuroepidemiology (Gretchen Birbeck, M.D., M.P.H., D.T.M.H.)
• Neuro-Ophthalmology ( David Kaufman, D.O. and Eric Eggenberger, D.O.)
• Sympathetic ganglia regulation and coordination of vascular and gastrointestinal function (Dave Kreulen, Ph.D.)
• Vascular biology, pharmacology, gene therapy (Alex Chen, Ph.D.)
• Vascular Neurology (Arshad Majid, M.D., Mounzer Kassab, M.D., Susan Wehner, MSN, NP)

For more faculty profiles and additional information, visit the faculty page.