Griffin Health enhances Parkinson's diagnostic imaging tool

Griffin Health Nuclear Medicine, Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Department has expanded its capabilities for more accurate and timely diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease.

Griffin is now offering DaTscan® (Ioflupane I 123), an innovative diagnostic molecular imaging tool used to evaluate dopamine transporter availability in the brain. 

With expansion of services to include this type of neuroimaging, Griffin Health is enhancing its ability to assist neurologists, primary care physicians and other specialists in differentiating between Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, supporting more accurate and timely diagnoses.

DaTscan imaging involves injecting a small amount of the radiopharmaceutical (a specialized drug that has a radioactive component) into the bloodstream, followed by a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan to capture detailed images of the brain. This procedure is non-invasive, safe, and typically takes less than an hour to complete.

“The addition of DaTscan provides a significant advancement, improving the accuracy and timeliness of diagnoses for patients with Parkinsonian syndromes,” said Griffin Health Vice President of Diagnostic and Cancer Services Christine Cooper, MS, CNMT, RT(N), RSO, FACHE, FAB. “With early and accurate diagnosis, patients can receive appropriate treatment more quickly, which can have a positive impact on their long-term health and quality of life.”

Griffin Health is now accepting referrals for DaTscan. Referring providers can contact the Griffin Nuclear Medicine Department at 203-732-7271 for more information and orders can be faxed to Central Scheduling at 203-732-1559.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Wesley Village in Shelton to host program on Parkinson's Disease

SHELTON - Wesley Village will offer a community education program on the topic of Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease at 1 p.m. Oct. 23 at Wesley Heights Independent and Assisted Living Community. 

The program will be presented by Dr. Kathryn Zuchowski, a board-certified neurologist, and a clinical fellow in movement disorders at Yale Health, Department of Neurology. This event will be hosted in cooperation with the Connecticut Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA CT).

“This program is a collaboration between Wesley Village, Yale Health Neurology, and APDA CT to best serve the community by providing a best-in-class education program. Those impacted by Parkinson’s can gain a better understanding of the intricacies of managing their symptoms by consistently staying up to date on the latest education and research. We aim to be a reliable source for education programs and support for the estimated 12,000+ CT residents diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” says APDA CT Program Director Holly Seymour.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Lisa Bisson, Wesley Village Director of Community Outreach at lbisson@umh.org or 203-225-5027. 

The program will take place at Wesley Heights Independent and Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village senior living campus, 580 Long Hill Ave. Guests may enter using the Wesley Heights entrance and parking area. Light refreshments will be served.

The APDA Connecticut Chapter offers a wide range of Parkinson’s disease programs, resources, education, and support throughout the State of Connecticut. To learn more, visit www.adpaparkinson.org/CT, email apdact@apdaparkinson.org or call 860-996-4276

About APDA: The American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) is a nationwide grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to help the more than one million people in the US with PD live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $282 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease. To join in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through a network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, as well as a national Research Program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit www.apdaparkinson.org

About Wesley Village: Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. in Shelton and offers a continuum of care: independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support/memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab. The campus is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization with a 150-year legacy of caring. 

To learn more about the Wesley Village campus communities of Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact Rhonda Stasulli at 

203-447-5454 or rstasulli@umh.org.

To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit our website at: https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.