Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with symptoms that generally develop slowly over years. Although these symptoms vary from one person to another, individuals with PD often experience tremors, slowing and stiffening of movements, changes in walking and balance, loss of sense of smell, constipation, and hand-writing that gets smaller and smaller.
Although we do not have a cure for Parkinson’s, there are treatment options and it is possible to have a good quality of life while living with PD. Louisiana Tech’s Parkinson Resource Center (PRC) is here to support individuals with PD and their care partners.
Our Parkinson Resource Center @ Louisiana Tech was established through a grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation. It was developed by Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Scholars at the Parkinson’s Foundation, Dr. Tara Haskins and Dr. Donna Hood from Louisiana Tech’s Division of Nursing. Through collaboration of faculty, students, and facility resources of Louisiana Tech University, the PRC connects those with PD and their care partners to resources that support and improve quality of life.
Our mission is to promote a healthy Parkinson’s community by connecting people, programs, ideas, and resources.
If you or someone you know is living with Parkinson’s disease, contact us for more information.
Parkinsonresourcecenter@latech.edu
318.257.4287
Louisiana Tech’s Parkinson Resource Center holds Voice class on Wednesdays 9-10 AM (September – May) and Music & Movement classes on Wednesdays 10-11 AM throughout the year. Class are held at Lambright Sports and Wellness Center. These are opportunities for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners to engage in exercise of their body, mind, and voice and to be part of a healthy, supportive Parkinson’s community. Through support from the Parkinson’s Foundation, these programs are free for individuals with PD and their care partners. Contact Dr. Donna Hood for more information. 318.257.4287 or dhood@latech.edu. Instructors are Leaia Alsup and Gretchen Jones. Both trained in New York with the Dance for PD international program.