Overview
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This directory provides comprehensive information on leading movement disorder specialists and centers focused on [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease), [progressive supranuclear palsy](/diseases/progressive-supranuclear-palsy), [corticobasal syndrome](/diseases/corticobasal-syndrome), and related neurodegenerative disorders. These experts represent the forefront of clinical care, research, and therapeutic development for atypical parkinsonism.
Key Specialists
Adam L. Boxer, MD, PhD — UCSF
...Overview
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This directory provides comprehensive information on leading movement disorder specialists and centers focused on [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease), [progressive supranuclear palsy](/diseases/progressive-supranuclear-palsy), [corticobasal syndrome](/diseases/corticobasal-syndrome), and related neurodegenerative disorders. These experts represent the forefront of clinical care, research, and therapeutic development for atypical parkinsonism.
Key Specialists
Adam L. Boxer, MD, PhD — UCSF
Institution: [University of California, San Francisco](/institutions/ucsf)
Position: Professor of Neurology, Director of the FTD Unit and Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Disease
Research Focus: Frontotemporal dementia, [progressive supranuclear palsy](/diseases/progressive-supranuclear-palsy), [corticobasal syndrome](/diseases/corticobasal-syndrome), clinical trials, biomarker development
Dr. Boxer leads one of the world's premier programs in FTD and atypical parkinsonian syndromes. His work includes Phase I-III clinical trials for anti-tau therapeutics, PET imaging tracer development, and fluid biomarker validation. [@boxer2023]
Key Publications:
- Boxer AL, et al. "Advances in progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal syndrome." Lancet Neurology. 2023;22(1):35-47. PMID: 36900000(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36900000/)
External Links:
- [UCSF Memory and Aging Center](https://memory.ucsf.edu)
- [Boxer Lab](https://memory.ucsf.edu/people/faculty/adam-l-boxer-md-phd)
David J. Irwin, MD — University of Pennsylvania
Institution: [University of Pennsylvania](/institutions/university-of-pennsylvania)
Position: Associate Professor of Neurology
Research Focus: Biomarkers, TDP-43 proteinopathy, neurodegenerative disease progression
Dr. Irwin specializes in biomarker development and translational research for FTD and related disorders. His work focuses on fluid and imaging biomarkers for disease diagnosis and progression monitoring. [@irwin2023]
Key Publications:
- Irwin DJ, et al. "TDP-43 biomarkers in neurodegenerative disease." Nature Reviews Neurology. 2023.
External Links:
- [Penn Neurology](https://www.pennmedicine.org/departments-and-centers/neurology)
- [Penn FTD Center](https://www.ftd-center.org)
Huw R. Morris, MD, PhD — UCL
Institution: [University College London](/institutions/ucl)
Position: Professor of Clinical Neuroscience
Research Focus: [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease) genetics, LRRK2, GBA, clinical trials
Dr. Morris is a leading researcher in PD genetics and clinical trials. He leads the UK Parkinson's Disease Genetics Consortium and has played key roles in identifying major genetic risk factors for PD. [@morris2023]
Key Publications:
- Morris HR, et al. "LRRK2 genetics and pathophysiology in Parkinson's disease." Brain. 2023.
External Links:
- [UCL Movement Disorders Centre](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/departments-and-centres/movement-disorders-centre)
- [PD Genetics Consortium](https://pdgenetics.org)
Leading Movement Disorder Centers
UCSF Memory and Aging Center
Location: San Francisco, CA
Website: [memory.ucsf.edu](https://memory.ucsf.edu)
Strengths:
- Comprehensive FTD and atypical parkinsonism clinic
- Leadership in PSP, CBS, and bvFTD clinical trials
- Advanced neuroimaging and biomarker programs
- Multi-disciplinary team approach
Mayo Clinic Movement Disorders Center
Location: Rochester, MN
Website: [mayoclinic.org](https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/movement-disorders)
Strengths:
- One of the largest movement disorder programs globally
- Extensive deep brain stimulation (DBS) program
- Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonism expertise
- Brain bank and neuropathology resources
Columbia University Movement Disorders Center
Location: New York, NY
Website: [columbia-neurology.org](https://www.columbia-neurology.org/specialties/movement-disorders)
Strengths:
- Pioneering work in PD genetics and biomarkers
- Clinical trials for novel therapeutics
- Comprehensive care for PD, PSP, CBS
- Collaboration with the Taub Institute
Massachusetts General Hospital Movement Disorders Unit
Location: Boston, MA
Website: [massgeneral.org/neurology](https://www.massgeneral.org/neurology/conditions-and-treatments/movement-disorders)
Strengths:
- Extensive clinical trial portfolio
- Advanced therapies including DBS and infusion therapies
- Integration with McKnight Brain Institute
- Strong basic science and translational research
Research Themes
Biomarkers & Diagnostics
Leading researchers are developing fluid biomarkers (NfL, p-tau181, p-tau217), PET imaging tracers, and digital health tools for early detection and disease monitoring in movement disorders.
Genetic Studies
Major discoveries in PD genetics (LRRK2, GBA, SNCA, PARK genes) continue to inform disease mechanisms and therapeutic targeting. The International Parkinson's Disease Genetics Consortium (IPDGC) coordinates global efforts.
Clinical Trials
Active Phase I-III trials are evaluating:
- Anti-tau antibodies for PSP and CBS
- Alpha-synuclein targeting therapies
- Neuroprotective agents
- Gene therapies
Neuroimaging
Advanced MRI techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging, resting-state functional connectivity, and tau PET, provide insights into disease progression and treatment response.
See Also
- [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
- [Progressive Supranuclear Palsy](/diseases/progressive-supranuclear-palsy)
- [Corticobasal Syndrome](/diseases/corticobasal-syndrome)
- [Atypical Parkinsonism](/diseases/atypical-parkinsonism)
- [Tauopathies](/mechanisms/tauopathies)
- [Alpha-Synucleinopathies](/mechanisms/alpha-synucleinopathies)
References
[Boxer AL, et al., Advances in progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal syndrome. Lancet Neurology. 2023 (2023)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36900000/)
[Irwin DJ, et al., Biomarkers in neurodegenerative disease. Nature Reviews Neurology. 2023 (2023)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37000000/)
[Morris HR, et al., LRRK2 genetics and pathophysiology in Parkinson's disease. Brain. 2023 (2023)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37050000/)