Innovative care, programs and research for disorders of the brain and spine
The impact of our Neuroscience Research Center is felt across HealthPartners and the community. That’s because we conduct research in partnership with neurological care. Our studies take place in HealthPartners Neuroscience Center, Struthers Parkinson’s Center, Regions Hospital, Methodist Hospital as well as several clinics. This connection between research and care offers patients access to innovative programs that improve outcomes.
We are active in clinical trials – testing drugs as well as delivery methods. We also study technology, yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture and exercise as ways to improve pain management, cognition and mobility. And we connect patients with programs and education to support them and their families after recovery from a stroke and other cognitive disorders with care, research, community resources and caretaker support.
Key areas
Advancing clinical trials
Our clinical research aims to better prevent, treat and ultimately cure life-altering neurological diseases. Trials in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, essential tremors, stroke and more offer hope to the many patients and families affected by these conditions. Learn more about our studies and investigators. And review our active trials.
Intranasal delivery of therapeutics
We found that drugs given through the nose can travel directly to the brain along the nerves of the brain cells responsible for the sense of smell. This drastically changed the way we can treat all brain and spine disorders, allowing us to non-invasively give nerve growth proteins, peptides and therapeutic cells. This has shaped studies in Alzheimer’s as well as traumatic brain injury.
Center for Memory and Aging
Memory and other cognitive disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and age-related memory loss bring daily challenges for patients and their loved ones. Our center’s health care and research teams help patients and families manage those challenges. Learn more about our research and how we aim to discover new treatments for patients with memory loss.
Brain and spinal cord injury
Research in this area focuses on neurorehabilitation, the Minnesota Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model System at Regions Hospital, acupuncture and exercise programs.
Parkinson’s disease
Our research through Struthers Parkinson’s Center improves treatment and care for patients with Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. This Center is designated a National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence.
Publications
Visit Knowledge Exchange for a current list of publications from our Neuroscience Research Center.
Key contact
Leah R. Hanson, PhD – Senior Director, Neuroscience Research Center
