Fixel Institute renewed as a LBDA Research Center of Excellence

By Anna Shavers

doctor melissa armstrong
Dr. Melissa Armstrong

Melissa Armstrong, M.D., M.Sc., FAAN, an associate professor of neurology and director of the Mangurian Clinical-Research Headquarters for Lewy Body Dementia at the University of Florida, received renewal as a Lewy Body Dementia Association Research Center of Excellence at the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health.

“It is an honor for the University of Florida to be renewed as a Lewy Body Dementia Association Research Center of Excellence. Our partnership with the Lewy Body Dementia Association gives people living with Lewy access to valuable resources and opportunities to participate in studies aiming to better diagnose, treat, and support people living with this disease,” said Armstrong.

The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA), a nonprofit organization founded by a group of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) caregivers, is dedicated to raising awareness of the Lewy body dementias and providing access to resources and education for patients and their families.

LBDA manages the Research Centers of Excellence (RCOE) network to connect people living with LBD and their families with highly specialized LBD diagnosis and treatment care. As of January 2022, the LBDA recognizes 22 Research Centers of Excellence across the United States.

Each RCOE site is evaluated annually based on their commitment to clinical care, clinical research, healthcare professional education and community support and education including a new requirement t host an LBD-specific support group.

Read about the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

Read about the LBD Life Lab at the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health