$3.23M to aid Parkinson's patients

Mercy Health Foundation on Thursday hold a blessing and dedication ceremony at the Meinders NeuroScience Institute located on the campus of Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City.

The newly- named Meinders NeuroScience Institute, formerly known as the Mercy NeuroScience Institute, has expanded neurology services for patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson's, Huntington's Disease, essential tremor and dystonia.

Mercy is creating Oklahoma's first movement disorders center of excellence with the help of a $ 3.23 million donation from local businessman and philanthropist Herman Meinders.

The closest comprehensive programs for patients living with movement disorders are in Kansas City and Houston.

Meinders and his wife were longtime supporters of Parkinson's research and treatment before he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2014.

The Meinders Center for Movement Disorders, located inside the Meinders NeuroScience Institute, will be home to highly specialized services for patients with movement disorders under the same roof.

Services will include a multidisciplinary team of nurses, physical therapists and speech therapists led by Dr. Cherian Karunapuzha, Mercy's neurologist specially- trained in movement disorders. Deep brain stimulation, a cutting-edge brain surgery for patients living with Parkinson's disease, is available as an option for patients that qualify.

The program also features free community services such as support groups, educational classes and several workout groups.