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Norman Fixel Institute for
Neurological Diseases
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The Isa Elaine Foundation Brain Iron Disorders Care Program

The Isa Elaine Foundation Brain Iron Disorders Care Program at the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health provides comprehensive, coordinated care for children and adults living with rare brain iron disorders.

Multidisciplinary care
Care Team
Care across lifespan
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Developed in collaboration with the Isa Elaine Foundation, the program serves patients and families affected by conditions including beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN), pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) and related neurodegenerative disorders. These conditions can cause progressive changes in movement, cognition and overall health and often require care from multiple specialties.

By bringing specialists and services together in one program, the Fixel Institute aims to provide patients and families with a more connected approach to care while advancing knowledge and best practices for these rare conditions

The Isa Elaine Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by rare brain iron disorders. Through its collaboration with the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health, the foundation is helping expand access to coordinated, multidisciplinary care while supporting efforts to advance knowledge and improve models of care for these rare neurological conditions.

Learn more about the Isa Elaine clinic here!

A multidisciplinary approach to care

Patients with brain iron disorders may need support from multiple specialties throughout their care. The Isa Elaine Foundation Brain Iron Disorders Care Program brings those services together through a multidisciplinary model designed around the needs of each patient and family.

Pediatric and Adult Neurology

Specialized neurological care for children and adults living with brain iron disorders.

Neurorehabilitation

Physical and occupational therapy to support mobility, function and independence.

Speech and Swallowing

Speech therapy and swallowing assessments tailored to each patient’s needs.

Nutrition and Social Work

Nutritional guidance and social work services to support patients and families throughout their care.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling to help patients and families understand diagnoses, testing and inherited conditions.

Mental Health and Psychology

Behavioral and psychological support as part of a comprehensive approach to neurological care.

Meet the care team

The program brings together specialists from across UF Health to provide coordinated, multidisciplinary care.

Genetic cousnelor

Kayla Lashinger, M.S., C.G.C.

Professional headshot of Kayla Lashinger, MS, GC

Social worker

Alana McKay, LCSW

Professional headshot of Alana McKay, LCSW

Neurorehabilitation Team

Therapists talking in the Rehab Center at the Fixel Institute

Program leadership

Professional headshot of Bhavana Patel, DO

Movement Disorders and Behavioral Neurology

Bhavana Patel, D.O.

Dr. Patel is helping lead the development of the Isa Elaine Foundation Brain Iron Disorders Care Program and its comprehensive approach to caring for patients with brain iron disorders. A movement disorders neurologist at the Fixel Institute, her work has focused on improving the delivery of specialized neurological care, applying technology to improve health outcomes and advancing neurostimulation for movement disorders.

Care across the lifespan

Brain iron disorders can affect both children and adults, and the needs of patients and families may change over time. By bringing pediatric and adult neurology together with rehabilitation and supportive services, the program is designed to provide coordinated care throughout different stages of life and disease.

Brain iron disorders can affect both children and adults, and the needs of patients and families may change over time. By bringing pediatric and adult neurology together with rehabilitation and supportive services, the program is designed to provide coordinated care throughout different stages of life and disease.

The program accepts referrals from across the United States and serves as a clinical and research hub for patients and families nationwide.

Advancing care through research and collaboration

The Isa Elaine Foundation Brain Iron Disorders Care Program is designed to advance both clinical care and our understanding of rare brain iron disorders.

Through collaborative clinical care and systematic data collection, the team aims to identify effective approaches to care and develop models that can help inform treatment for patients beyond UF Health.

This integration of clinical care, research and collaboration supports the Fixel Institute’s mission to improve outcomes and quality of life for people living with neurological diseases.

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