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Parkinson's Disease is a progressive and chronic neurological disorder primarily affecting movement. It is characterized by a gradual loss of certain dopamine-producing brain cells (neurons), a neurotransmitter involved in regulating motor control and coordination. As dopamine levels decrease, individuals with Parkinson's Disease experience a range of motor and non-motor symptoms. Here are the key features and symptoms of Parkinson's Disease:
Motor Symptoms:
Non-Motor Symptoms:
Parkinson's Disease is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and a neurological examination by a healthcare professional. While there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease, treatment aims to manage symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. Treatment options may include:
The progression of Parkinson's Disease varies from person to person, and its impact on an individual's daily life can also differ significantly. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs are essential for managing the condition effectively. Research into Parkinson's Disease continues, with ongoing efforts to develop better treatments and, ultimately, find a cure.
Jody Hiltz has been Clinical Administrative Assistant for Dr. Marks since 2017. She received her Associate of Science Degree from Quincy College. Your can find her smiling face greeting you when you enter our office.
Liz has been working for the practice for over 3 years. Prior to that she worked in skilled nursing facilities as a Life Enrichment Director/Dementia Practitioner. She loves supporting patients and their caregivers. Our practice offers expert level care in a community setting. Because of our association with an international research corporation we are also in a unique position to extend opportunities for treatments not otherwise available. She believes that it’s a pleasure to be a part of staff here who works as a team to provide education, support and as much as possible, a bit of amusement. Her goal is to help our patients maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.
Years ago her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease then after taking care of her father her mother was diagnosed. She has worked in the medical field for over four decades as a Medical Biller but finds herself so fortunate to be working for this neurology practice as a Clinical Administrative Assistant in more of a “face to face” capacity with our patients. The years of experience supporting her mother through the disease was an education in what it takes to be a caregiver. She feels she developed more insight into what we can provide here to aid our patients and their support group. She feels she is especially blessed to be in an environment locally that can offer research trials that would not otherwise be accessible. She loves that the team here works to provide smiles every day to the ‘family’ that walks through our doors.
Morgan Tromblee has been working in Alzheimer’s disease research as a sub-investigator with Dr. Donald Marks since 2022. She also works clinically in the outpatient neurology setting, primarily seeing patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. She received her master’s at the MGH Institute of Health Professions Physician Assistant Program, and her bachelor’s in biology at the University of Vermont.
Elizabeth Simpson has been working in Alzheimer’s disease research as a sub-investigator with Dr. Donald Marks since 2021. She also works clinically in the outpatient neurology setting, primarily seeing patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Lizzy received her master’s degree in medical science at the Tufts University Physician Assistant Program, and her bachelor’s degrees at Providence College.
Dr. Hreib obtained his MD, Ph.D. and M.B.A. From Boston University and was trained in medicine and Neurology at Boston University Medical Center and Boston City Hospital. His professional life as a neurologist began at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA, where he was the director of Vascular Neurology for over twenty years, after which he became the chief of Neurology at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA before becoming the Chief Medical Officer for Baystate Health North. Dr. Hreib continued to see patients as a neurologist while the chief medical executive and later decided to join Donald Marks clinic on neurodegenerative disease in Plymouth.
For over 30 years, Dr. Marks has focused on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, specifically in the areas of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Marks has been the Principal Investigator (PI) in over 40 clinical trials with numerous pharmaceutical and imaging companies as well as with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Marks is a member of the medical staff at the Beth Israel Lahey Health Hospital (BILH) Plymouth and the Nantucket Cottage Hospital. He is the founding Medical Director for the Division of Neurology at the BILH Plymouth.