Faculty members in the WashU Medicine Department of Neurology are leaders and integral members of a wide array of research centers — many world-renowned — dedicated to basic, translational and clinical research.
Advanced Center for Parkinson’s Research
Advanced center for Parkinson’s research accelerating discovery and treatment innovation
Committed to advancing understanding of Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders through cutting-edge research and collaborative initiatives. The center integrates basic science, translational studies and clinical trials to uncover disease mechanisms and develop novel therapies. Its mission includes fostering partnerships among scientists and clinicians, promoting education and improving patient care through evidence-based approaches.
Aging Adult Brain Connectome (AABC)
Exploring brain health and resilience across the lifespan
A multi-site research initiative funded by the National Institutes of Health that investigates how brain connectivity changes with age and what factors contribute to cognitive resilience or decline. Building on the Human Connectome Project in Aging, AABC follows over 1,000 adults aged 36 and older using brain imaging, cognitive testing, surveys and biospecimen collection. The study emphasizes diversity in its participant pool and examines influences such as stress, lifestyle, sleep and hormonal changes to identify pathways that promote healthy brain aging.
ALS Center
Delivering comprehensive care and research for ALS
Provides high-quality, compassionate care for individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, while advancing research to develop new therapies. Its multidisciplinary team integrates clinical care, clinical trials and translational research to improve understanding of ALS and accelerate treatment development. The center emphasizes collaboration among physicians, clinicians and scientists to offer personalized care and pursue innovative approaches aimed at finding effective therapies and ultimately a cure.
Animal Surgery Core
Supporting rodent research through expert procedures and collaborative planning
Providing specialized rodent surgical services to support neuroscience and translational research. With over 50 years of experience, the core offers custom procedures, project planning assistance and guidance through Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval. It serves as a resource for investigators by offering expertise in neurological models, access to funding opportunities and a wide range of surgical techniques designed to enhance research quality and efficiency.
Center of Excellence in Neuropathy Treatment and Research (CENTR)
Center of excellence in neuropathy treatment and research advances care and discovery for neuropathies
Dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with peripheral neuropathies through comprehensive clinical care and innovative research. The center integrates multidisciplinary expertise to provide advanced diagnostic evaluations, personalized treatment plans and access to clinical trials. Its mission includes fostering collaboration among clinicians and scientists, educating patients and families and developing novel therapies to address the underlying causes of neuropathy.
Center on Biological Rhythms and Sleep (COBRAS)
Promoting research collaboration on sleep and circadian biology
Advancing research on sleep and circadian rhythms as they relate to human health and disease. COBRAS facilitates collaboration among investigators across specialties, provides expertise and tools for basic, translational and clinical research, and promotes education and awareness of sleep and circadian biology. Its mission is to improve understanding of how disruptions in these systems contribute to disease and to develop strategies for prevention and treatment.
Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN)
Advancing global research and prevention for familial Alzheimer’s disease
An international research initiative focused on understanding and preventing dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease (DIAD). DIAN conducts long-term observational studies and clinical trials to identify biomarkers, track disease progression and evaluate potential therapies. Through its trials unit (DIAN-TU), the program leads pioneering prevention studies targeting individuals with genetic mutations linked to early-onset Alzheimer’s. DIAN also supports families through genetic counseling, education and opportunities to participate in research that may benefit future generations
Fluid Biomarker Core
Supporting Alzheimer’s research through biorepository and assay innovation
A leading resource for Alzheimer’s disease research, offering one of the world’s largest biorepositories of blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples. The lab specializes in fluid biomarker assays for analytes such as Aβ42, Aβ40, tau, p-tau181, NfL and GFAP, supporting studies on disease diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic response. Operating under Good Clinical Practice guidelines, the lab collaborates internationally to standardize and validate biomarker measures, aiming to translate research findings into clinical care.
Hope Center for Neurological Disorders
Advancing collaborative research for brain health
Dedicated to improving lives through interdisciplinary research focused on neurodegeneration and neural repair. By fostering collaboration among scientists, the center promotes innovative approaches to understanding brain disorders and translating discoveries into treatments. Its resources include specialized research groups, core facilities and educational programs designed to accelerate breakthroughs in neurological health.
Huntington’s Disease Center of Excellence
Provides expert care and research for Huntington’s disease patients
Offering comprehensive care for individuals affected by Huntington’s disease and related disorders while advancing research to improve diagnosis and treatment. The center brings together specialists in neurology, genetics and psychiatry to deliver personalized care plans, genetic counseling and access to clinical trials. Its mission includes fostering collaboration, educating patients and families and developing innovative therapies through cutting-edge research.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC)
Fostering innovation in neurodevelopmental research
Promoting research aimed at understanding and treating neurodevelopmental disorders. The center provides core facilities, collaborative opportunities and educational programs to support investigators studying the biological, genetic and behavioral aspects of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its mission is to accelerate discoveries that improve diagnosis, intervention and outcomes for individuals affected by these conditions.
John L. Trotter Multiple Sclerosis Center
A leading provider of comprehensive care and expertise
Center provides comprehensive care for individuals with multiple sclerosis and related disorders while advancing research to improve treatment and outcomes. The center offers personalized care plans, access to clinical trials and multidisciplinary expertise in neurology, rehabilitation and symptom management. Its mission includes fostering collaboration, educating patients and families and developing innovative therapies through cutting-edge research.
Knight ADRC Clinical Trials Unit
Accelerating research and equity in Alzheimer’s treatment
Leading global efforts to develop and test promising therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In collaboration with the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation and over 100 research partners, the unit conducts clinical trials aimed at reducing disease progression, improving patient outcomes and increasing diversity in research participation. With more than 35 years of experience and over 5,400 participants, the center is committed to advancing science and ensuring equitable access to innovative treatments.
Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center
Advancing research to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease
Committed to improving diagnosis, care and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease through cutting-edge research and education. The center supports scientists, clinicians and the public by fostering collaboration and providing resources for studies on clinical, genetic and neuropathological aspects of Alzheimer’s and related disorders. Its long-term goal is to develop effective treatments and preventive strategies for dementia.
Moyamoya Center
Conducting long-term research on the natural history of patients with Moyamoya disease and their outcome after surgery
Offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients with moyamoya disease and related cerebrovascular conditions. The center combines advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical expertise and multidisciplinary care to improve patient outcomes. In addition to clinical services, it conducts research to better understand moyamoya pathophysiology and develop innovative therapies, while providing education for patients and healthcare professionals.
Neurofibromatosis Center
Providing exceptional care through groundbreaking research
Dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with neurofibromatosis (NF) through comprehensive clinical care and innovative research. The center integrates multidisciplinary expertise to provide personalized treatment plans, genetic counseling and access to clinical trials. Its research initiatives focus on understanding the biology of NF, developing targeted therapies and promoting education for patients, families and healthcare professionals
Rett Spectrum Clinic
Providing specialized care and research for Rett syndrome and related disorders
A collaboration between WashU Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, the clinic brings together specialists in neurology, genetics and rehabilitation to provide personalized care plans, genetic counseling and access to clinical trials. Its mission includes improving quality of life through multidisciplinary care, advancing research on Rett syndrome and educating families and healthcare professionals.
RVCL Research Center
Advancing discovery and treatment for RVCL
Dedicated to understanding and treating retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukoencephalopathy (RVCL), a rare genetic disorder that affects small blood vessels in the brain, eyes and other organs. The center combines clinical care, genetic counseling and cutting-edge research to uncover disease mechanisms and develop targeted therapies. Its mission includes fostering collaboration among scientists, educating patients and families and accelerating progress toward effective treatments.
Tracy Family SILQ Center
Accelerating biomarker discovery for neurodegenerative diseases
Advancing research on Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders by utilizing mass spectrometry and innovative labeling techniques. Its mission is to identify and validate biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, understand protein aggregation in disease processes and accelerate the development of effective treatments. The center fosters collaboration among scientists and supports pilot studies to generate data for sustainable research initiatives.
Tuberous Sclerosis Center
Comprehensive care and groundbreaking research for all ages
Offering comprehensive care for individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) while advancing research to improve treatment and outcomes. The center brings together experts in neurology, genetics and related specialties to deliver personalized care plans, genetic counseling and access to clinical trials. Its mission includes fostering collaboration, educating patients and families and developing innovative therapies through cutting-edge research.