Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Neurology » Tarbox Parkinson's Disease Institute
Mr. Elmer L. Tarbox
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease results from damage to clusters of neurons in particular areas of the brain (i.e. the substantia nigra). Gradually movement becomes more difficult and falling becomes frequent. Everyday activities, such as dressing and eating, become difficult. During the latter stages of the disease, the patient's cognitive function may become impaired. This disease can be helped with the use of medications. However, what causes neurons to die is not known. At the present time, there is no cure for the disease.
The Tarbox Parkinson's Disease Institute
In 1972, the State of Texas established the Tarbox Institute at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to serve the State of Texas as a comprehensive center of excellence in the area of Parkinson's disease and movement disorders. The Tarbox Institute was named to honor Mr. Elmer L. Tarbox, a former state representative from Lubbock. The Tarbox Institute is currently in the Division of Neurology, Department of Neuropsychiatry.
The initial purpose of the program was to establish the Tarbox Parkinson's Disease Clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease and to establish and fund the Parkinson's Disease Information and Referral Center.
The current objectives of the Tarbox Institute are to provide services for Parkinson's disease patients and their families in the underserved West Texas area; to maintain a Parkinson's Disease Information and Referral Center to enable both healthcare professionals and affected families to obtain the latest information on services available, new developments in research, support groups, and educational literature; to conduct basic and clinical research studies leading to improved treatment of Parkinson's disease; to expand understanding of the neurobiology of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, including causes and pathogenic mechanisms; to train healthcare professionals and neuroscientists; to sponsor education and training in Parkinson's disease and associated disorders for caregivers, medical students, research investigators, social workers, and other professionals; and to conduct research into caregiving and counseling, the results of which may be applied in the communities to improve care.
Faculty and Staff of the Tarbox Institute
The Texas Tech faculty combines multiple investigators and capabilities allowing a continuum of research ranging from molecular genetics through basic biochemistry and neurotransmitter function to clinical pharmacology and physiologic evaluation of brain activity. The combination of multiple investigational skills provides the maximum potential for effective management and cure as the investigators interact to enhance the understanding of each other's knowledge and discoveries. Research and clinical management combine to provide a flexible medium in which education of young investigators and clinicians is maximized.
The Tarbox Clinic for Parkinson's Disease
The activities of the clinic have been expanded to better serve the patient and the patient's family. A multidisciplinary team has been formed consisting of neurologists, nurses, a neuropsychologist, a pharmacologist and a licensed social worker. This team prepares in advance of the patient's visit by reviewing records and developing a care plan. The team emphasizes rehabilitation and improved quality of life for the patient, and is a model for care delivery. The Parkinson's Disease Information and Referral Center provides information to patients, families and healthcare professionals in Texas and eastern New Mexico.
The Tarbox Distinguished Lecture Series
Among its many activities, the Tarbox Institute sponsors seminars and study sessions by distinguished lecturers to the Health Sciences Center to meet with faculty and students. More than forty distinguished scientists have participated in the lecture series since its inception.
The Tarbox Fellowships
The Tarbox Institute provides postdoctoral, predoctoral and medical student research fellowships for training in the neurosciences related to Parkinson's disease. Thirty researchers have received fellowships from the Tarbox Institute.
Gifts
The Tarbox Parkinson's Disease Institute receives basic funding from the State of Texas. However, because of the increasing demands on the state legislature to decrease taxes and reduce spending as well as the simultaneous demands from state agencies to increase support to meet rising costs, a situation exists in which private assistance can be extremely meaningful. Donations to the Tarbox Institute at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center will be used for clinical and basic research. Tax deductible contributions are most welcome. For additional information, please call 806-743-1799 or 806-743-2720 or write:
Tarbox Institute
Department of Neuropsychiatry
Division of Neurology
Texas Tech University
Health Sciences Center
3601 4th Street
Lubbock, TX 79430
