Department of Neurology Research
Pursuing science to understand and treat brain disorders
For more than a generation, physicians and scientists in OHSU’s Department of Neurology have led groundbreaking research. We pioneer new ways to treat or prevent these brain disorders, with major research programs in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
What sets us apart
With leading experts, top facilities and over $26 million in annual external funding, the department has a reputation for research excellence and innovation.
Our faculty investigate:
- Alzheimer’s disease and aging
- Assistive aging technologies
- Balance and gait disorders
- Basic neuroscience
- Complementary and alternative treatments for brain disorders
- Headaches and migraines
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Sleep
Find out more about our research labs and research centers.
Faculty careers
Find professor, physician and APP faculty jobs at OHSU.
“For over 40 years, we’ve had a track record of taking discoveries made in the lab and turning them into new treatments, technologies, and clinical trials that improve the lives of patients. Our research teams make OHSU a great place to get medical care and a great place to do science.”
Advancing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease research
35 years of continuous federal funding for Alzheimer’s disease research
20+ years as a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence
One of five U.S. research centers creating AI technology for aging in place
Leadership in neuroscience discovery
20 years basic neuroscience discovery on brain health, disease, and repair
One of three U.S. research centers with cryo-electron microscopy
Over 100 clinical trials testing new drugs, tools, and treatment approaches
Innovations in complementary medicine
More than 25 years federal funding to study complementary and alternative treatments for neurologic conditions
One of three U.S. research centers investigating botanicals for healthy brain aging
Neurology breakthroughs and news
Our research teams include surgeons, cell biologists, computer experts and pharmacists. They make important advances, from pioneering deep brain stimulation to discovering genes that contribute to neurological diseases. OHSU breakthroughs include:
Opening up a path to brain repair
By discovering how key pieces of nerve and brain cells are built and fit together, we can create new therapies to repair them when they break down.
Identifying an enzyme that breaks down nerve cells
The finding can help develop drugs that heal or slow disease progression in multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain injuries, and certain kinds of dementia.
Pioneering multiple sclerosis wellness research
This work includes the discovery that a low-fat diet can reduce disease-related fatigue by nearly 50%.
Linking collagen build up in veins with nerve damage
This nerve damage is associated with Alzheimer’s, stroke, and age-related decline in thinking and moving.
In the news:
- Untreated sleep apnea raises risk of Parkinson’s, study finds
- OHSU neuroscientist two-time winner of Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award
- OHSU research will examine effect of bright-light therapy on brain health
- Alzheimer’s disease research earns $22.8 million renewal
- OHSU first in nation to use new, incisionless surgery to treat Parkinson’s
- Brain implant at OHSU successfully controls both seizures and OCD
- OHSU research will examine effect of bright-light therapy on brain health
Funding and partnerships
The Department of Neurology brings in over $26 million in external research funding each year from federal agencies, nonprofit funders, and industry sponsors. Through the OHSU Foundation, donors and private foundations also provide significant support.
Funders include:
- National Institute on Aging
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering
- National Science Foundation
- U.S. Department of Defense
- Alzheimer’s Association
- American Parkinson Disease Association
- Michael J. Fox Foundation
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Amazon, Google and Intel
Questions?
Email us at deptofneuro@ohsu.edu
Continuing medical education
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Neurology research labs
Balance Disorders Laboratory
We study how disease and injury affect balance and gait. We also investigate how to improve rehabilitation for people with traumatic brain injury or Parkinson’s disease.
Nora Gray Laboratory
Nora Gray, Ph.D., and her team work to identify new treatments for aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Sleep and Health Applied Research Program (SHARP Lab)
We study how sleep affects the brain in health and disease. We also test therapies for traumatic brain injury, dementia and related disorders.
Neurology research centers
Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research
Collaborating with OHSU’s Vollum Institute, we study neurological disorders at the cellular level to develop new therapies.
Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
As one of 35 research teams funded by the National Institute on Aging, we explore new therapies for aging-related dementias.
OHSU Multiple Sclerosis Center
Faculty provide care, offer clinical trials and research new therapies, including diet, exercise and complementary medicine, to manage symptoms.
OHSU Parkinson’s Center
Basic research scientists study Parkinson's disease at the level of cells and molecules. We also lead clinical trials that test new treatments and interventions.
Oregon Center for Aging and Technology
We use real-time data to develop new technology that improves quality of life for people as they age at home.
Oregon Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Neurological Disorders
At ORCCAMIND, we test how wellness therapies relieve neurological symptoms.
Botanicals for resilience in aging (BENFRA Center)
In collaboration with national partners, we explore how botanicals improve memory, mood and sleep.
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Meet our team.