Oregon Health & Science University's Brain Institute is among the top institutions in the nation for NIH-funded neuroscience research projects.
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OHSU Brain Institute is the only place in Oregon where the brightest minds in medicine and science are leaders in brain care, with national recognition for breakthroughs in treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. From prevention to intervention, we combine the highest quality brain care with groundbreaking brain research and the latest discoveries. OHSU is Oregon’s on
ly public academic health center. We are a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. We are an institution of higher learning with schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and public health. We are a national research hub with thousands of scientists working hard to develop new disease treatments and therapies. We are also one of Portland’s largest employers. As a public health organization, we provide services to the most vulnerable Oregonians and strive to improve health in communities across the state through our outreach efforts. OHSU encourages interaction, discussion, commentary, questions and even criticism but ask that you keep your comments and posts relevant and respectful. OHSU does reserve the right to moderate your comments on its social media platforms as necessary to prevent medical, personal and confidential information from being posted. In addition, OHSU will remove all spam, personal attacks, profanity, racism, excessive posting, as well as any off-topic commentary, advertisements about good or services or announcements about news or events not related to OHSU and may ban anyone who violates these guidelines. Please do not use social media platforms to disclose, share, talk about, send or request sensitive or personal information, especially private health information. OHSU cannot guarantee the confidentiality of any messages transmitted over the internet. By interacting with this page, you assume all risks related to sharing your information. Please also note that OHSU social media is only intended for use within the United States. Although OHSU is an academic medical center, we cannot provide medical advice for your personal health situation. If you have a medical issue that requires advice or treatment, we encourage you to contact your primary care provider. For more information, please read our disclaimer: https://www.ohsu.edu/about/social-media-directory
07/22/2025
OHSU researchers have identified a gene that plays a crucial role in the brain’s ability to form the protective layer around nerves known as myelin.
This new research, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), can potentially open new doors to treatments for a rare childhood disorder and more common diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Discovery may open the way for new treatments for multiple sclerosis, leukodystrophies.
07/18/2025
"I feel like with doctors in the past, I just didn’t feel heard or understood. I would leave feeling kind of silly. Every doctor that I’ve seen at OHSU, it’s always like they care."
With support from her specialized care team, Kim Steenslid has found new ways to thrive while navigating life with her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis.
OHSU patient Kim Steenslid reflects on her MS diagnosis and how physical activity keeps her going.
07/17/2025
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)'s Dr. Jennifer Jahncke, a postdoctoral scholar working in the lab of Dr. Kevin Wright, has discovered a protein that provides insights into the neurological problems experienced by people with a rare form of muscular dystrophy known as dystroglycanopathy.
This image is of a Purkinje neuron (in red) – the business end of the cerebellum. The green dots are showing inhibitory synapses on the Purkinje neuron.
Why are so many seizure medications considered to be controlled substances? According to OHSU neurologist Dr. Lia Ernst, when medications are controlled, this means that patient access is restricted.
And restricted access can mean missed medications and breakthrough seizures. These policies need to be reformed to protect patients with epilepsy.
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07/10/2025
Congratulations to Dr. Vijayshree Yadav, professor of neurology and head of the division of multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology in the OHSU School of Medicine, who received the inaugural Anne Middleton Foster Endowed Professorship in Neurology!
It was 2006 when Dr. Daniel Gibbs first noticed he was losing his sense of smell. He would learn later it was an olfactory hallucination. And that meant something wasn't working properly in his brain.
Dr. Daniel Gibbs had a general knowledge of Alzheimer's disease when he was a practicing neurologist. He knows a lot more now that he has it.
06/23/2025
For the first time, OHSU scientists using cryo-electron microscopy have discovered the structure and shape of key receptors connecting neurons in the brain’s cerebellum, which is located behind the brainstem and plays a critical role in functions such as coordinating movement, balance and cognition.
Publication in the journal Nature reveals structure and conformation of key receptors in synapses of the brain’s cerebellum.
06/11/2025
A state-funded program aimed at improving services for people with behavioral health challenges is showing promising early results.
OHSU researchers found that the initial launch of the Improving People’s Access to Community-based Treatment, Supports and Services, or IMPACTS, program was associated with fewer criminal convictions and lower recidivism, or fewer people released from prison committing additional crimes, along with increased initiation and engagement in substance use treatment.
State behavioral health program linked to reduced justice-system involvement, increased substance use disorder treatment
06/04/2025
Meet Movers & Shakers! This 12-person Hood & Portland To Coast Relays (Official Page) team is made up primarily of people living with Parkinson's Disease, along with family members, caregivers, and medical staff.
For Movers & Shakers, PTC is a beautiful and empowering event, laced tighter than their sneakers with life lessons about resiliency, hope, and love. To learn more about the team and their monthly training walks, follow them on Instagram @/movers.and.shakers.ptc.
Friday: New research by OHSU scientists reveals an important role in brain function involving an abundant, but often-ignored, star-shaped type of glial cell known as astrocytes.
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The OHSU Brain Institute has over 400 doctors and researchers treating people with diseases of the brain, teaching tomorrow’s doctors and searching for cures. The Institute exists to develop and sustain collaborations between neuroscientists and clinicians in Oregon and beyond.
This integrative work is guided by our senior leadership group:
Dennis Bourdette, M.D.
Chair, Department of Neurology
Director, Multiple Sclerosis and Nueroimmunology Center
Marc Freeman, Ph.D.
Director, Vollum Institute
George Keepers, M.D.
Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry
Bita Moghaddam, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, Department of Behavioral Neuroscience
Nathan Selden, M.D., Ph.D.
Campagna Professor and Chair, Department of Neurological Surgery
Excellence in Care
OHSU is a national leader in neuroscience clinical care. Some of our achievements include:
OHSU is ranked as the Best Hospital in Oregon accordingly to US News and World Report.
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association awarded OHSU the Gold Plus quality acheivement award.
The OHSU Stroke Program was first Comprehensive Stroke Center in the Pacific Northwest.
Our Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Program is nationally recognized as a leader in treatment, research and education.
Supporter and Friends
Your involvement at the OHSU Brain Institute is vital. Our community's effort and energy gives people hope and helps OHSU researchers closer to finding cures. There are many ways you can get involved:
Join the Brain Research Awareness and Information Network (BRAINet) our volunteer outreach organization.
Stay informed about the OHSU Brain Institute by signing up for one of our newsletters.
Make a gift. We could not achieve what we do without private support. Your generosity makes and extraordinary difference.
Attend an event.
Learn more on how the Brain Institute brings information and education to your community.
