Farwa Ali, M.B.B.S.

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SUMMARY

Farwa Ali, M.B.B.S., is a neurologist with expertise in movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, tremor, dystonia, progressive supranuclear palsy and multiple systems atrophy.

Dr. Ali's research focuses on an atypical form of parkinsonism called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Her research encompasses detailed gait and motion analysis as well as eye movement testing in order to better understand the cause, mechanism and progression of this condition.

Focus areas

• PSP. Dr. Ali focuses on discovering the mechanisms of PSP, clinical differences among patients and disease progression over time. Her research includes advanced neuroimaging (such as tau-PET, amyloid-PET and FDG-PET scans of the brain), detailed clinical assessments, and speech and dysphagia evaluations. PSP has many different faces and can present with a variety of symptoms. Understanding the range of symptoms is another important part of this research program, as every patient's condition may be unique. In addition, Dr. Ali researches gait and motion analysis for balance abnormalities and studies eye movement abnormalities that specifically affect this patient population disproportionately, causing significant disability.
• Related neurodegenerative conditions. Dr. Ali also studies gait and motion analysis, as well as oculomotor abnormalities, in a wider range of neurodegenerative conditions related to Parkinson's disease and PSP.

Significance to patient care

The first step in discovering better treatments, and ultimately a cure, for PSP is to better understand the disease using clinical evaluation and advanced neuroimaging. As technologies evolve to help patients maintain balance, mobility and a good quality of life, a better understanding of these disabling symptoms is essential and will advance patient care, symptom management and the development of advanced technologies to help patients with PSP.