The research interests of Mayo Clinic's Parkinson's Disease Laboratory and Stroke and Vascular Disease Laboratory, both led by Owen A. Ross, Ph.D., revolve around the genetics of aging and age-related disorders. Dr. Ross' primary research is focused on the role of genetics in familial and sporadic forms of parkinsonism and related movement disorders.

Dr. Ross has played an important role in characterizing the two most important genes in Parkinson's disease, LRRK2 and SNCA. He has identified functional common risk factors and patient populations in Parkinson's disease, demonstrating the importance of genetics in sporadic disease. He has also identified novel genes for Parkinson's disease and a number of related disorders.

Dr. Ross has collaborated with researchers in departments of neurology and neuroscience in more than 20 countries. He is part of a team of internationally recognized researchers and clinicians with specialty training in Parkinson's disease and movement disorders supported by the American Parkinson Disease Association. Mayo Clinic has been designated an American Parkinson Disease Center for Advanced Research.