The Steve Gleason Institute for Neuroscience is for patients and their families, and scientists, clinicians and educators who work together to improve quality of life for those with neurodegenerative disease. Ours is an environment for not only the patient, but for all of those whose lives are affected by these diseases – helping them navigate the many challenges they face.
Putting Our Minds, and Hearts, Together.
In such a challenging arena, it takes an environment of fellowship and a culture of perseverance to foster significant advancement. This is the spirit of the Steve Gleason Institute for Neuroscience.
Exclusive Talents, An Inclusive Approach.
The talents of a diverse group of individuals and the way they are united toward common goals truly make us special. Integrating the three disciplines of clinical care, research and adaptive technology fosters the development of new technologies and treatments to improve the quality of life for those with neurodegenerative diseases and provide education and support for their caregivers and family.
What is a Neurodegenerative Disease?
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the nervous system. Neurodegenerative diseases include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. These diseases result in progressive loss of motor and/or cognitive function. They are not only devastating to the afflicted individuals, but impact families, caregivers and our health system. There are no cures for these diseases and our ability to ameliorate symptoms is limited.
The Gleason Institute focuses on ALS and similar diseases such as Parkinson’s and Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT).
These neurodegenerative diseases are similar because:
- They all involve dysfunction in motor neurons
- They are caused by similar defects in brain cells
- Patients require similar care and therapy
In the future we will expand our scope to include other nervous system motor diseases and dementias.