Parkinson's Center for Comprehensive Care at RHCI

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related disorders are complex, progressive neurological diseases that can profoundly impair daily activities and lead to loss of independence.  

Commonly recognized by a disturbance in walking pattern and tremors, Parkinson ’s disease may also impair speech, writing, thinking, self-care, emotional expression and behavior.  Enabling the person with Parkinson’s to live as fully and independently as possible requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, symptom management, medication optimization and the emotional/behavioral effects of the disease.

Comprehensive Parkinson's Evaluation

The goal of The Parkinson's Center for Comprehensive Care at RHCI is to improve and maximize the individual’s ability to live safely and independently.  The evaluation is conducted by David M. Lowell, M.D., a neurologist and RHCI's Medical Director, and Dawn Lucier, P.T., a physical therapist and Neuro-education Coordinator.  Both are specialists in neuro-rehabilitation. 
"Our experience shows that people with Parkinson's can have significant improvement in their daily lives with specific rehabilitation interventions."  -  David M. Lowell, M.D. 

The assessment includes:  
 

• A neurological exam
• Medication review and recommendations
• Mobility, self-care, emotional and behavioral screenings

Learn More from Parkinson's Experts
Hear David Lowell, M.D., and others share insights into Parkinson's disease in the Spaulding Rehab Health Report.  Current topics:  the symptoms of Parkinson's, the psychological effects of the disease.

Additional Parkinson's Treatment Options at RHCI

• RHCI’s Parkinson’s Disease Program, an intensive, inpatient  rehabilitation program involving coordinated medical, nursing and therapy services to reach specific functional goals.  Patients are admitted from an acute care hospital.
• RHCI’s Direct Admission Program  (DAP) allows admission directly from home or the emergency room for individuals experiencing a significant decline in function who are not ill enough to be admitted into an acute care hospital.  Patients must meet specific admissions criteria to be admitted into DAP.   
• Parkinson’s Disease Wellness Program, a 6-week exercise and support program offered in conjunction with Boston University.
• Parkinson's Positive Psychology Programs, 8-week group sessions designed to facilitate greater understanding, overall adjustment and quality of life for PD patients and their care-partners. 
• Outpatient rehabilitation with therapists who have had specialized training to improve the patient’s ability to function day-to-day and enjoy an enhanced quality of life. 

Outpatient services may include:

• Physical, occupational and/or speech therapies
• Lee Silverman Voice Treatment
• Swallowing evaluations (Modified barium swallow with video fluoroscopy)
• Counseling with a health psychologist or social worker for individual and/or caregiver/family members
• Audiology
• Low Vision Program
• RoadSMART Driver Assessment Program

The Parkinson's Center Assists Those With

• Parkinson's Disease 
• Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
• Striatonigral Degeneration (SND)
• Parkinson’s Plus Syndrome
• Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
• Other related conditions

Referrals and Insurance

Referrals may be made by calling RHCI Physician Services.  RHCI accepts most major insurances.  Our staff is available to assist with any insurance questions.

Appointments

Please call Physician Services at (508) 833-4160.