Movement Disorders Division

The Movement Disorders Division is led by Richard Dewey, M.D., who was trained in neurology and movement disorders at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Dewey established the Movement Disorders Clinical Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center upon joining the neurology faculty in 1994. The Center provides state-of–the-art treatment for Parkinson's disease and other involuntary movement disorders. Faculty also participate in research and educate medical students, residents, and fellows. 

Top row l-r: Mazen Elkurd, Richard Dewey, Padraig O’Suilleabhain, William Dauer
Bottom row l-r: Sarah Smith, Lauren Lanford, Shilpa Chitnis, Richard Dewey, III

Research

Our faculty lead extensive research programs that investigate the genetic and other contributing factors in the development of movement disorders. Among the most important of these is a long-term National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded trial of possible neuroprotective agents for Parkinson's disease.

The Division also conducts multiple clinical trials. Currently underway is the NIH-funded NET-PD trial in which patients with Parkinson's disease are followed for up to seven years under treatment with either oral creatine or a matching placebo. This study should enable us to determine if this inexpensive food supplement may slow down the rate of progression of this neurologic disorder.

Education

The one-year Movement Disorders Fellowship at UT Southwestern is offered under the supervision of three fellowship-trained movement disorders neurologists. It consists of clinical patient care in movement disorders, introduction to basic and clinical research in Parkinson's disease, and hands-on mentorship by experienced faculty during clinical care of patients with involuntary movements.

Clinical Programs

The Clinical Center for Movement Disorders at UT Southwestern Medical Center is a large, tertiary referral center that handles nearly 4,000 patient visits each year. Our physicians have extensive experience with patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, tremor disorders, tic disorders, and dystonia. A major advantage to treatment at UT Southwestern is the availability of clinical research programs, which allow the possibility of exposure to investigational drugs before they are commercially available. We work closely with ancillary services such as psychiatry, speech, physical, and occupational therapy to provide comprehensive care for patients.