Discover what’s possible
Brain, Nerve, and Muscle Disorders
Devastating disorders of the brain, nerves, and muscles, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, stroke, ataxia, muscular dystrophy, depression, addiction, and schizophrenia, can strike with or without warning or hereditary connections.
University of Minnesota scientists are discovering the best ways to treat and even cure these debilitating diseases, which together affect vast numbers of people. More than 4.5 million Americans currently have Alzheimer’s disease, and one in four adults suffers from a psychiatric disease at any given time.
With donor support, the University is advancing research and enhancing care across the neurosciences:
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A world leader in Alzheimer’s disease research, we are closing in on a breakthrough approach to preventing the disease, we created the first mouse model of the disease, and we have shown that its related dementia can be stopped and even reversed. We also are home to the renowned Nun Study, which has netted key insights into Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders.
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We are developing new procedures and devices to intervene with epilepsy, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, Parkinson’s, and related diseases.
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We have identified genes associated with muscular dystrophy and five forms of ataxia—a crucial step in halting these diseases.
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We are finding new ways to treat schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and a variety of impulse-control disorders.
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We are defining new standards in stroke intervention, significantly improving patient outcomes, even for those living in communities without a stroke specialist.
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We are deciphering the basic mechanisms of pain and learning how to manage it.
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We are using ultra-high-field imaging to observe the brain’s innermost workings.
