A Commitment to Health Sciences and Research
The Zoota family of Fort Worth, long-time supporters of research and athletics at TCU, are contributing to the establishment of a new center of excellence within Harris College to support research in neurodegenerative diseases, including funding a newly endowed professorship in neurodegenerative research.
This foundational support enables Michelle Kimzey, Ph.D., associate professor of nursing, and Chris Watts, Ph.D., the Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean of Harris College to merge their ongoing projects in dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
TCU’s new Center for Neurodegenerative Disease is dedicated to solving one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. Through research, education and outreach, the Center aims to reduce the devastating effects of dementia and Parkinson's disease on individuals, families and society as a whole.
Addressing a Growing Health Crisis
“Neurodegenerative diseases are a leading cause of disability and death, especially in the elderly,” Watts explains. “As life expectancy rises, more people will be affected. We must improve how we diagnose, treat and care for those impacted.”
The combined societal cost for managing and treating these conditions is already in the hundreds of billions of dollars annually, soon reaching into the trillions.
The physical, social and family impacts of dementia and Parkinson’s disease are profound, as individuals’ lives, along with those of their caregivers, are dramatically altered.
Leading the Way in Finding Solutions
Kimzey and Watts are at the forefront of efforts to find solutions for these unmet needs. Kimzey's work with Rethinking Dementia and Watts’ work with Endeavor Parkinsonology have laid the groundwork for future advances in dementia, Parkinson's disease and related disorders.
Their work has led to impactful research published in prominent scientific journals and new resources for the TCU campus, community and region.
Together, they envision leveraging their expertise to create a world-class center that tackles the significant challenges associated with these diseases, thereby lessening the burden on individuals, families and society.
“The Center aims to promote interdisciplinary learning and research in partnership with the community, offering resources, support and enhanced care.” Kimzey said. “We aspire to become a hub for innovation and collaboration, positioning TCU as a neurodegenerative research and education leader.”
Why Research Matters: Unraveling the Mysteries of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Despite the devastating impact of dementia and Parkinson's disease, much remains unknown about these conditions. Scientific research is essential to uncover their causes, progression patterns and potential cures. This is where the new Center for Neurodegenerative Disease steps in.
The new Center aims to conduct and support pioneering research focused on advancing knowledge of the causes, pathophysiology and treatment of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders.
The specific aims of the research conducted by faculty and students associated with the Center are to:
- Understand biological mechanisms
- Develop new treatments
- Advance educational approaches
“Community members are encouraged to participate in clinical studies, ensuring the research is directly relevant to real-world challenges,” said Kimzey.
Education and Outreach: A Community Focus
A key focus of the Center will be providing education and outreach at the community, regional, state and national levels. Targeted audiences include patients, caregivers health care providers, and researchers. Through these efforts, the Center aims to raise awareness of neurodegenerative diseases and equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, improve quality of life and build resilience.
Kimzey and Watts have already implemented several successful education and outreach initiatives.
These include preparing current and future health care providers with tools to care for those with neurodegenerative diseases through educational experiences like Dementia Simulation, Innovations in tele-practice, new dementia-focused courses at TCU and keynote lectures from world leaders in dementia and Parkinson’s, including the Zoota Family Leaders in Parkinson’s Disease Speaker Series.
Future initiatives will include professional training workshops and mentorship for students and professionals, supported by the Center.
A Commitment to Addressing Public Health Challenges
By fostering innovative scientific inquiry and training the next generation of health care professionals, TCU’s Center for Neurodegenerative Disease is paving the way for a future where these conditions no longer hold a devastating grip on millions of lives.