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Movement Disorders Research

The Movement Disorders Research Committee at Rush University’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Program comprises multidisciplinary experts, including clinical and laboratory investigators, dedicated to ensuring the strategic effectiveness of research initiatives within the division. The committee plays a pivotal role in reviewing and approving research proposals for the Postma Grant, monitoring project progress, and offering guidance to investigators. Additionally, the committee contributes to the development and implementation of research policies, fosters interdepartmental and external collaborations, and actively promotes innovation and excellence in the field of movement disorders research.

The committee supports a strong emphasis on both clinical and translational research. Its clinical studies—ranging from observational to experimental trials—are designed to improve diagnostic methods, develop novel therapeutic strategies, and identify preventive interventions, ultimately enhancing patient care and health outcomes. Translational research within the program bridges the gap between bench and bedside, translating laboratory discoveries into clinical applications and vice versa—using clinical insights to guide fundamental research into disease mechanisms.

The overarching mission of the Rush Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Program is grounded in three pillars: 

  • Patient Care: Delivering comprehensive, personalized, and high-quality care across all stages of Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders. 
  • Research: Conducting cutting-edge, inclusive studies leveraging the latest scientific and technological advances, with a focus on health equity and the social determinants of health.
  • Education: Providing education and support to patients, families, healthcare professionals, and the broader community to improve awareness, management, and quality of life. 

Research within the program encompasses a broad spectrum of neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and related Parkinsonisms, Huntington’s disease, dystonia, Gilles de la Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders, fragile X-associated disorders, and various tremor conditions.

The program is nationally recognized and supported by multiple leading organizations. It is:

Additional funding is supported through government agencies, private foundations, and generous contributions from patients, families, and philanthropic donors.

Explore Active Research Studies

The Rush University Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Program offers a variety of research study opportunities ranging from clinical trials of new therapies, exercise studies, observational studies, survey/questionnaire-based opportunities, and clinical registries. Our studies cover many conditions, including Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Multiple System Atrophy, Huntington’s Disease, Tourette’s Syndrome, and more. To learn more about studies that are actively recruiting, visit the Rush Clinical Trials website or speak with your Rush Movement Disorders healthcare provider. 

Learn more about the work of RUSH faculty:
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    Dr. Deborah Hall

    Deborah A. Hall, MD, PhD, FAAN, Professor, conducts research in movement disorders doing both clinical trials and investigator-initiated studies. She has a NIH R01 looking at Racial Disparities in Parkinson’s disease She is investigating the bowel microbiome in Parkinson’s disease and REM sleep behavior disorder and has a focus on wearable technology use in the disease.  She runs clinical trials in multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy, including anti-protein immunotherapy infusions.  She directs the Rush Huntington’s disease program and runs the largest observational study site for Enroll in Chicagoland.  She conducts clinical trials in Huntington’s disease for new medications and is doing surgical gene therapy studies to try to slow progression of the disease. She is the director of the Fragile X-associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome Clinic, one of the only of its kind in the country and is leading the development of rating scales and biomarkers for clinical trial readiness for the disease.  She is committed to research across the institution as Vice Chair of Research for Neurological Sciences, Chair of the Rush Institutional Review Board, and mentor to many trainees and faculty on their research projects.  

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CurePSP Foundation Logo
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Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Logo
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Huntington's Disease Society of America Logo
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Lewy Body Dementia Association Logo
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MissionMSA Foundation Logo
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Parkinson's Foundation Logo
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Tourette Assocation Logo
 
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