Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence
From visits with your neurologist to support groups and educational events to appointments with rehab specialists, the Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence at the Fixel Institute meets all your needs in one location.
Patient Care
When you visit the Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence at the Fixel Institute, your care is our top priority. You are at the center of everything we do.
From the neurologist to the nutritionist and the physical therapist to the social worker, our team will work hand in hand to ensure you receive the best care, resources and research opportunities for living with Parkinson’s.
As a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, the Fixel Institute must meet standards related to patient care, research, training and community education and outreach set by the Parkinson’s Foundation.
All care, research and patient resources take place at the Fixel Institute in Gainesville, Florida.
Make an Appointment
Whether you’re looking for a new patient visit or returning as a current patient, our team can help you schedule your appointment. Options may be available for telehealth.
Meet your Care Team
During your visit to the Fixel Institute, you see a variety of specialties, including neurology, neuropsychology, speech and swallow therapy, rehab therapy, and more.
Tour the Fixel Institute
You can take a virtual tour of the Fixel Institute and learn about our history, our care process and services and our physical space before your appointment.
Support Groups & Programs
Carepartner Support Group
First Friday of Every Month
11:00am
Virtual & In-Person
Come learn more about Parkinson’s and be supported by other carepartners
C.A.R.E.S. Program
C.A.R.E.S (Caregivers Acquiring Resources and Emotional Support) is free, 1-on-1 counseling to caregivers of patients in the Fixel Institute who are currently experiencing emotional and mental strain while caring for a loved one.
To schedule this FREE service, call our office at 352.733.2411 or email Alana McKay, LCSW.
Exercise Programs
Hosted by experienced fitness instructors, the exercise programs are tailored to your specific fitness level.
Parkinson’s Support Group
Every 3rd Friday of the Month
12:30 p.m.
Virtual or In-Person
Come learn more about Parkinson’s and be supported by people who really understand
Young Onset PD Ages 27 – 50
Every 3rd Wednesday
5:30 p.m.
Virtual Only
People with YOPD create a strong bond because they can relate to each other’s unique experiences.
Women’s With Parkinson’s Meet-Up
Quarterly, every 3rd Thursday
12 p.m.
In-Person Only
Women living with PD who seek support and friendship from others in the community can connect here.
Power in Knowing Black PD Group
3rd Tuesday of the month
11 a.m.
Virtual Only
Members of the Black Community living with PD/ Parkinsonisms or their care partners can connect here.
Educational Events
2025 Parkinson’s Symposium
Topics Included:
– New Research
– Different therapies
– Topics in Genetics
– Parkinson’s Prevention
– Q&A
2024 Parkinson’s Symposium
Topics included:
– New Research
– Hospitalization Issues
– Physical, Occupational, Speech therapy
– Caregiving
– Social Work
2023 Parkinson’s Symposium
Topics Included:
– New Therapies
– Beyond Motor Symptoms
– Genetics
– Anesthesia and Surgery
– Intro to Parkinson’s Management
2022 Parkinson’s Symposium
Topics included:
– Upcoming therapeutics
– Driving
– Gut health
– Speech and swallow issues
2021 Parkinson’s Symposium
Topics Included:
– Intro to exercise
– Intimacy and sexual health
– Visual in Parkinson’s
– Optimal environments for maximum function
– Approach to care in advanced PD
2018 Atypical Parkinsonism Symposium
Topics included:
– Therapy recommendations
– Recognizing atypical diagnoses
– Medical therapies and research
– Social work FAQ
Parkinson’s Symposium en Español 2013
Los temas incluyen:
– El futuro de la enfermedad de Parkinson
– Terapies convencionales
– Mitos y realidades: terapias alternativas
– “Aware in care” y hospitalizaciones
Educational Videos on YouTube
Visit the Fixel Institute's YouTube page to watch a variety of educational videos related to Parkinson's and other neurological disorders.
Patient Resources
Parkinson’s Foundation Fact Sheet
10 Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Foundation Fact Sheet
About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Foundation Fact Sheet
Understanding Parkinson’s Misconceptions, Reality and Facts
Tips & Treatment Blog
This year, and every year, the Fixel Institute joins the Parkinson’s Foundation in recognizing our care partners for National Family Caregivers…
By: Grace Huff At the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health, a groundbreaking care model is transforming how Parkinson’s…
Caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease (PD) requires understanding, compassion, and specialized knowledge. That’s why the Community Partners…
Fixel Movement Messenger Newsletter
Don't miss any new content of the Tips & Treatment Blog! Subscribe to our monthly newsletter filled with the latest information on Parkinson's Disease, ranging from treatment tips, exercise resources, caregiver tools and resources.
Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline
Call the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline 1.800.4PD.INFO (1-800-473-4636) for answers to all your questions. Staffed by nurses, social workers and therapists, the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline is here to support you in any possible way, including:
- Current disease information
- Medical issues including symptoms and treatments
- Health and social care
- Emotional support
- Referrals to health professionals and community resources for local support
Additional PD Resources
PD Conversations
PD Conversations are online discussion groups where you can connect with others who are sharing similar experiences to you and your loved one.
PMD Alliance Support Groups
List of affiliated support Parkinson’s Disease support groups and carepartners support groups from PMD Alliance across the country.
Parkinson’s Foundation Support Groups
List of affiliated support Parkinson’s Disease support groups and carepartners support groups from Parkinson’s Foundation across the country.
Parkinson's Foundation PD Library
Check in with the Parkinson’s Foundation library of resources ranging from medication, to exercise, to caregiver resources and more.
News & ResearcH
By: Grace Huff Lourdes “Lou” Dosal standing beside Kelly Foote, M.D., and Michael Okun, M.D. For most of her life, Lourdes “Lou” Dosal…
When: Saturday, March 14, 2026Where: Villages Polo Club, 700 Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages, FLWhat: Moving Day is a walk for Parkinson’s where we…
By: Grace Huff December is a time for family, friends and loved ones to gather together and celebrate the holiday season. From traveling to see…
Participate in Research
Clinical trials are essential to finding new treatments for neurological disorders. You will have the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking clinical trials at the Fixel Institute.
