VCU Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center

04/16/2026

We’re proud to share that our Movement Disorders Fellow, Dr.Razan Hallak, recently attended the National Ataxia Conference in Orlando, Florida 🧠✨

Through this experience, she engaged with leading experts, learned about the latest advances in ataxia research and care, and connected with a broader community dedicated to improving patient outcomes.

At VCU Health, we are committed to supporting continued learning and advancing excellence in neurologic care. 👏

04/16/2026

John Cabot Ishon marshaled support for a research fund that honors his fellow classmate and “Brother Rat.”

04/14/2026

Living with Parkinson’s—or caring for someone who is? 💙

Join us for a FREE Parkinson’s Symposium 🧠
📅 June 20, 2026 | ⏰ 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Richmond, VA or 💻 Zoom

Learn about symptoms, treatments, and ways to better navigate daily life.

👉 Register: parkinson.org/RichmondSymp

04/09/2026

🧠 New research supported by the VCU Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center (PMDC) is helping us better understand Parkinson’s disease.

This study shows how environmental toxins may affect the brain by changing how certain genes work—including those involved in our body’s internal clock (sleep–wake cycle) ⏰

Why does this matter?
Sleep and circadian disruptions are common in Parkinson’s and can significantly impact quality of life. Understanding these changes brings us one step closer to better treatments and care.

📄 Read the full study here:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12031-026-02506-z

Rotenone is a naturally-occurring isoflavone that is used as a pesticide. Rotenone is also administered to rats to induce nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuron loss in an established model of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). However, the molecular mechanisms ...

03/19/2026

Ready to learn, connect, and feel empowered? 💪❤️

Join us for Parkinson’s Education Day with
Dr. Leslie Cloud and Chelsea Duppen, DPT, PhD!

🗓️ April 28
⏰ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
📍 Libbie Mill Library

Come be part of a supportive, informative community—we’d love to see you there! ✨

03/18/2026

🎳 Strikes, smiles, and a wonderful afternoon together!

The VCU Parkinson and Movement Disorder Center had a fantastic time bowling with members of our Huntington’s community. It was a joy to share laughter, connection, and great moments outside the clinic.

A big thank you to our Movement Disorders team Dr. Stephanie Bissonnette, Dr. Leslie Cloud, Dr. Razan Hallak, Meig Busic, and Vicente — for making this event successful.💙

Swipe through to see some highlights from the day!

03/07/2026

🚶‍♂️ Imagine trying to walk… but your feet suddenly won’t move….

For people living with Parkinson’s disease, this symptom—known as freezing of gait—can occur without warning, increasing the risk of falls and making everyday movement challenging.

Researchers and clinicians continue working to better understand why this happens and how to manage it.
At VCU, experts like Dr. Cloud are helping advance research, patient care, and treatment strategies aimed at improving mobility, safety, and quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s.

📖Read more:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/neurological-disorders/freezing-in-advanced-parkinsons-disease/

03/05/2026

💙On the Move: PMDC Winter 2025-2026
From Parkinson's to dementia, PMDC is changing lives with cutting-edge research, new clinical programs, and expert care for patients and families.

📝Read more:https://parkinsons.vcu.edu/media/parkinsons/images/news-and-newsletter-photos/PMDC_News_Winter2025-2026.pdf

03/04/2026

This is the last week to register for this free HDSA event!

If you'd like to attend please send an email to Ginger Norris at virginia.norris@vcuhealth.org to register by March 9!

02/11/2026

Join us for an DBS and aDBS informational session. Dr. Joseph Bell, VCU Neurosurgeon and Medtronic Therapy Representative, Alex Feria will discuss DBS and adaptive DBS (aDBS) for Parkinson's.

Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Libbie Mill Library, 2100 Libbie Lake St., Richmond, VA 23230

Event link: www.poweroverpd.org/event

01/21/2026

Hello everyone!

Our next Support Group Meeting will be on March 9, 2026!

To RSVP:
Please do so by filling out the RSVP form by clicking the link below:
https://forms.gle/CUjHJQhXL5m2hcok8
or
email: madison.clemons@vcuhealth.org

01/16/2026

Stay up to date with all the upcoming VCU PMDC Events by visiting our Events website https://parkinsons.vcu.edu/events/