The pioneering work on patients with Parkinson’s by UMich brain imaging (Dr. Bohnen) suggests that the spread of cell loss to the cholinergic system creates a previously unrecognized effect. That is, loss of cholinergic cells robs patients of the ability to pay close attention to their movements, even as they’re already having trouble walking safely. The involvement of the cholinergic system likely explains why current treatments – focused on dopamine replacement – are ineffective. The new center conducts research to determine if it may be possible to increase cholinergic traffic in the brains of patients using an already-approved drug that targets acetylcholine receptors on the surface of brain cells. That drug, varenicline or Chantix, is already available by prescription to help people stop smoking. Dr. Dauer and Dr. Albin serve as Center’s Director and Associate Director, respectively, and co-lead a project to develop “personalized medicine” approaches to Parkinson’s disease using specialized brain scanning and varenicline. Dr. Sarter studies the cholinergic system and its role in controlling attention. In his work, he has shown in rats that the cholinergic system plays a key role in balance and walking, and that reduced cholinergic activity is associated with worse balance and more falls. A team of biostatisticians and data analysts led by Dr. Dinov and Dr. Spino enables the study design, high-throughput processing and data analytics using the multivariate data generated by Center’s experiments and clinical studies. An PD education and outreach effort are led by Dr. Chou.

William Todd Dauer, MD University of Michigan, Neurology East Ann Arbor Health and Geriatrics Center 4260 Plymouth Rd Ann Arbor, MI 48109 Phone: 734-764-6831 Email:	Roger L Albin, MD University of Michigan, Neurology East Ann Arbor Health and Geriatrics Center 4260 Plymouth Rd Ann Arbor, MI 48109 Phone: 734-764-6831 Email: