Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center opens

PHOENIX (AP) -- Muhammad Ali made a rare public appearance when he attended the opening of a newly expanded Phoenix institute that treats Parkinson's disease.

Officials at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center said Thursday the facility is now the most comprehensive in the nation for the treatment of the brain disorder that causes tremors, slowed movement and muffled speech.

The former heavyweight champ, who lives with his wife Lonnie in the Phoenix suburb of Paradise Valley, put one hand on a pair of giant scissors to cut the red ribbon and officially open the expanded center.

He then toured it with Lonnie and his sister-in-law holding his hands, stopping frequently to look at memorable images of himself in large frames along a hallway.

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