Police Encounters and Movement Disorders
Study Status: active
Institute: Krembil Research Institute
Study Purpose: People with movement disorders can have symptoms such as shaking, slow movement, balance problems, or difficulty walking. These symptoms may sometimes be mistaken for intoxication or suspicious behaviour. This study aims to learn how often people with movement disorders experience discrimination or negative interactions with police or law enforcement. The findings may help improve awareness, education, and future interactions between law enforcement and people living with neurological conditions.
Background: Movement disorders affect how people move, walk, and maintain their balance. Some people with these conditions report being misunderstood by police or other law enforcement officers because of their symptoms. Although advocacy groups have raised concerns, there has been very little research on this issue. This study will provide important information about these experiences and help identify ways to reduce discrimination.
Study Methods: Adults with a diagnosed movement disorder and adults without a movement disorder (such as spouses or caregivers) will be invited to complete an anonymous online survey. Participants will answer questions about themselves and any experiences they have had with police or law enforcement. Researchers will compare responses from both groups to better understand how often discrimination occurs and what factors may be associated with these experiences.
Health Conditions:
Neurology & Neurosurgery (Parkinson's, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, etc.)
External Links:
Dr. Alfonso Fasano holds the Chair in Neuromodulation and Multi-Disciplinary Care at the University of Toronto and University Health Network. He is a Professor in the Department of Medicine (Division of Neurology) at the University of Toronto. He is staff neurologist and co-director of the Surgical Program for Movement Disorders at Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network. He is also staff neurologist at the Hospital of Sick Children in Toronto. Dr. Fasano is a Clinician Investigator at the Krembil Research Institute and Affiliate Scientist at KITE Research Institute – Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Dr. Fasano leads the Core E (closed-loop capabilities) of the CenteR for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA) and serves on the scientific advisory board of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation and International Essential Tremor Foundation. He is the chair of the Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus study group of and member of the study group on tremor of the International Parkinson Movement Disorders Society; he is also a member of the Tremor Research Group and the Parkinson Study Group.
Dr. Fasano received his medical degree from the Catholic University of Rome, Italy, in 2002 and became a neurologist in 2007. After a two-year fellowship at the University of Kiel, Germany, he completed a PhD in neuroscience at the Catholic University of Rome. His main areas of interest are the treatment of movement disorders with advanced technology (infusion pumps and neuromodulation), pathophysiology, and treatment of tremor and gait disorders. He has authored more than 300 scientific papers and book chapters. Dr. Fasano is the co-editor of the section “Gaps and Controversies” of Movement Disorders Journal and an editorial board member of Annals of Neurology, Movement Disorders Journal, Movement Disorders Clinical Practice and Parkinsonism and Related Disorders. He is also the principal investigator of several clinical trials.
- Staff neurologist, Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)