A PD database

["Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD" <fivestar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Friends,
Several times in the past, the topic of a database for PD has emerged.
For those interested, you may like to read the following:
======================================================
THE ALI PROJECT
The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Research Center has developed a clinical
database endeavor called the AliProject. Using information technology,
the AliProject links Parkinson's centers around the country in order to
gather, store, and share information about Parkinson's disease. The
result is more accurate and timely information for answering clinical
questions, determining better treatment approaches, and discovering more
cost-effective ways of caring for people.

Currently, there are four member sites participating in the AliProject:

    * The Muhammad Ali Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement
Disorders in Phoenix, Arizona
    * The Madden/ National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence for
Parkinson's Disease at The Ohio State University in Columbus
    * The Louisiana State University Medical School's Parkinson's
Disease and Movement Disorders Center in New Orleans
    * Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center of the University
of South Florida in Tampa

Within in the next year, the AliProject hopes to add at least four more
member sites.  The target goal of the AliProject is to build a database
containing 6700 discreet patient records by 2003.  Currently, outside of
the AliProject, there is no centralized repository for information about
Parkinson's disease.  The AliProject hopes that collecting core data
about Parkinson's disease will aid researchers in treating and
potentially curing the disease.

The AliProject database is created through the entry of patient records.
During the course of an exam, the physician enters information about the
patient into a computer application.  This data collection occurs in
'real time.'  The term 'real time,' means that as a physician asks the
patient questions, information is entered directly into the computer.

Hardware, software, and support was donated to the original sites by
private individuals.  Through private donations and through funds raised
at charity events, the AliProject has created a powerful tool for
researchers and physicians.

For more information, please see:



--
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD
"Ask the Parkinson Dietitian"  
"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease"
"Parkinson's disease: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy"

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