Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases

A new chapter in specialized neurological care begins today. The Isa Elaine Foundation Brain Iron Disorders Care Program is now open at the Fixel Institute at UF Health, bringing expert, multidisciplinary care to children and adults living with NBIA and related brain iron disorders. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g3hJV5Qv

Let's give a huge shout-out to Navi-Gator Aliya Khan for leading the wonderful Puzzles & Pencils initiative! Aliya, a University of Florida graduate and incoming MSP3 master's candidate, has been part of the Navi-Gator program for nearly two years. Her latest project, Puzzles & Pencils, provides patients with crossword puzzles, word searches and guided hand exercises to enjoy while waiting for their appointments. We know waiting rooms can sometimes feel stressful or overwhelming. Through Puzzles & Pencils, Aliya hopes to make that time a little more comfortable by offering activities that provide a positive distraction, encourage cognitive stimulation and support fine motor skills, helping patients and families feel a little more at ease. Thank you, Aliya, for your thoughtfulness, creativity and dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and families. 💙 If you have an upcoming appointment at the Fixel Institute, be sure to check out Puzzles & Pencils in our waiting area!

In this expert consensus paper, leaders in DBS research identify ways to make clinical trials more accessible and patient-centered by reducing barriers to participation, increasing education and strengthening collaboration. These recommendations aim to help bring the next generation of DBS therapies to patients faster. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3GQpH4f

The countdown is on! As we prepare for the 2026 DBS Think Tank, we're looking back at some of the memorable moments and meaningful discussions from last year's meeting. We look forward to bringing the global deep brain stimulation community together again to continue advancing the conversation this September. 📅 Sept. 16-18, 2026 Virtual registration will open soon. Stay tuned! #SaveTheDate

We're proud to see Fixel Institute experts sharing their expertise on the global stage. This past week, speech-language pathologist Nicole Herndon and neurologist Dr. Bhavana Patel presented at the 2026 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in London. Their presentation, "Beyond the Diagnosis: Multidisciplinary Management of LBD Across the Disease Continuum," highlighted the importance of comprehensive, team-based care for individuals living with Lewy body dementia. AAIC brings together researchers, clinicians and health care professionals from around the world to advance dementia research, improve diagnosis, reduce risk and accelerate the development of new treatments. #LewyBodyDementia #AlzheimersAssociation

For people living with Parkinson's disease, better sleep can mean better days. In his latest article, Dr. Michael Okun discusses why sleep is one of the most powerful therapies available, the "magic sleep number" he recommends and why measuring sleep may be just as important as improving it. Read more: https://ow.ly/gOMj50Zq8IF

Congratulations to Fixel Institute members Dr. Abbas Babajani-Feremi and Babak Ahmadi on this important publication. We're proud to see our researchers contributing to innovative work that advances our understanding of Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body pathology through AI and neuroimaging.

Congratulations to Athan Bonavita on an exciting next step in his academic and professional journey. Over the past four years, Athan has supported the Fixel Institute through three years as a Navi-Gator student volunteer and one year in our Data Lab. Athan recently earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology & Cell Science from the University of Florida and has been accepted to Tufts University School of Medicine, where he will pursue a master's degree in Epidemiology & Biostatistics. Alongside his graduate studies, he will work as a Patient Experience Representative at Boston Children's Hospital, furthering his interests in health informatics and outcomes research. Athan's leadership, curiosity and commitment to improving patient care have made him a valued member of our team. We couldn't be prouder of all you've accomplished, Athan. Best of luck as you begin this exciting new chapter, and remember, you'll always be part of the Fixel and Gator family.🐊

We are grateful to the Gulf Winds Track Club for their continued support of the Fixel Institute. 💙 Through the Palace Saloon 5K, Tallahassee’s oldest 5K road race, Gulf Winds has selected the Fixel Institute as a charity partner for three consecutive years, helping advance our mission of providing compassionate care and driving research forward. This partnership is especially meaningful because many Gulf Winds members have personally experienced the care provided by our team. We are honored to be recognized by a community organization that shares our commitment to improving the lives of those we serve. Thank you to Tom Perkins, Jeanne O’Kon, Bill Lott and the entire Gulf Winds Track Club community for your generosity and dedication to our mission!

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming, but the way it's delivered can make a meaningful difference. In a recent article, experts, including Fixel's own Dr. Melissa Armstrong, share best practices for having clearer, more compassionate conversations with patients and their families. Dr. Armstrong emphasizes the importance of leading with empathy, offering hope for the future and connecting patients and caregivers with resources and support. #DementiaCare #CaregiverSupport #HealthcareCommunication Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/e4SwUq8i