RITA CEPONIENE, Ph.D., M.D.

Dr. Ceponiene is American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified member of the American Academy of Neurology and the Movement Disorders Society. Dr. Ceponiene is originally from Vilnius, Lithuania where she obtained Medical Doctor’s degree. She then completed a PhD program in Cognitive Neuroscience at the Helsinki University, Finland, followed by a post-doctoral research at the University of California, San Diego. In addition to her doctoral thesis, she has published over 40 peer – reviewed research articles during her academic career. She returned to clinical work after completing neurology residency and movement disorders fellowship at the University of California, San Diego, under the mentorship of the world – renown leader in the field, Professor Irene Litvan. Dr Ceponiene’s goal of returning to clinical work was to be able to integrate her academic and clinical backgrounds for the direct benefit of the patients. She maintains active ties with the academic community via joint conferences and participation in educational events. She is passionate about educating patients and colleagues about the ongoing research into the nature and treatment of Parkinsonian disorders and about connecting patients with research study opportunities. One of them is the promise of the autologous dopamine neuron replacement therapy that is being developed via a rigorous, years of research community-vetted, data-backed scientific approach.

In addition to providing care to patients with movement disorders, dementias, dysautonomia and gait/balance issues using conventional medical therapies, botulinum toxin therapies, and Deep Brain Stimulation, Dr Ceponiene is a passionate promoter of Exercise As Medicine, the only currently known possibly disease modifying therapy for the many manifestations of Parkinsonian disorders. Her philosophy is to tend to all, motor and non-motor, symptoms of the disease in order to assist patients to have the best quality of life now, with the careful planning for the future.