Merrill Landers, PT, DPT, Ph.D., OCS

Dr. Merrill Landers is a tenured, associate professor at UNLV and a licensed physical therapist. He earned a BS in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University, a DPT from Creighton University, and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Integrative Physiology with cognates in neurobiology and statistics). He is in his seventh year as the Department Chair of Physical therapy at UNLV. His current research interests related to Parkinson’s disease are in the following areas: balance/falls, fear of falling avoidance behavior, high-intensity exercise, and neuroprotection. Over the last 17 years, he has conducted research studies using both rodent models of Parkinson’s disease and human clinical trials of Parkinson’s disease. He has had 50+ peer-reviewed publications, 50+ peer-reviewed abstracts, and 50+ national and international scientific presentations.

Personal statement about interest in Friends of Parkinson’s

I am flattered to be asked to participate on the Medical Advisory Board of Directors. I have a very big passion for improving the care for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD), particularly in the realm of conservative care (e.g., exercise, physical therapy, balance training). PD is my primary area of research and my primary area of continuing education. I attend and present my research at a major international PD conference almost every year. I am a big believer in evidence-based practice and, subsequently, feel that I would offer the board a balanced but evidence-based approach in helping shape the direction of events that the Friends of Parkinson’s hosts.

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