Amidst a global rise in neurological disorders, the Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) has been designated a Comprehensive Care Center by the Parkinson’s Foundation. HUMC is currently the only medical center in New Jersey to earn this prestigious designation, recognizing its specialized, multidisciplinary approach to treating Parkinson’s disease (PD).
The recognition arrives as Parkinson’s, already the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the U.S., continues to see its prevalence more than double in a single generation. While often associated with aging, the medical community has noted an uptick in Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD), where patients are diagnosed before age 50.
The Parkinson’s Foundation awards the Comprehensive Care Center designation to institutions that excel in providing high-quality clinical programs and ensuring patient access to specialized multidisciplinary services.
“This designation from the Parkinson’s Foundation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team, and it couldn’t be more timely as we see the number of Parkinson’s cases grow,” Dr. Florian Thomas, chair of the Neuroscience Institute & Department of Neurology at Hackensack University Medical Center, said.
The Foundation’s review highlighted several key pillars of excellence at the center, including:
- Integrated Support: A collaborative team featuring movement disorder specialists, social workers, psychologists, and specialized nurses.
- Neuro-Psychology Services: Comprehensive cognitive testing, remediation, and therapeutic support.
- Clinical Innovation: A fast-tracked pathway for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HiFU) treatments.
- National Safety Standards: Recognition as a leader in hospital safety protocols specifically tailored for patients with Parkinson’s.
“For patients and families facing a Parkinson’s diagnosis, this means access to a nationally recognized center of excellence right here in their own backyard,” Dr. Lisa Tank, president and chief hospital executive of Hackensack University Medical Center said.
Beyond its clinical care, the Neuroscience Institute is at the forefront of research, offering patients opportunities to participate in clinical trials for emerging therapies, including alpha-synuclein antibodies and genetically modified cell-based treatments.
Hackensack Meridian Health is extending this expertise across its network, with active programs at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune and JFK University Medical Center in Edison. As the first network in New Jersey to utilize High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound to treat Parkinson’s-related tremors, Hackensack Meridian Health continues to push the boundaries of interventional neurology.
