Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s in the U.S. One million Americans live with Parkinson’s today — and of those approximately 110,000 Veterans with PD receive Parkinson’s treatment through VA.

Houston VA surgeons successfully complete VA’s first use of ROSA, a minimally invasive robotic device, on an Army Veteran from Oklahoma.

VA North Texas treats some 20,000 patients each year for related issues in its Positive Airway Program (PAP) for sleep disorders.

As a caregiver or someone in a Veteran’s support system, you may notice your loved one having difficulty chewing or swallowing certain food items. Although there are suggestions your VA Registered Dietitian Nutritionist will make, we often pair up with Speech Therapy for a comprehensive team approach.

VA has partnered with the Parkinson’s Foundation to help Veterans who are diagnosed with the disease live healthier lives. 10-15% of the time, Parkinson’s is linked to family genetics.

Air Force Veteran Ken and his wife had retirement all planned out, until a stroke rocked their world. A VA program gave them the resources to stay in their home, despite Ken needing 24/7 care.

Vietnam Veteran nurse Lou Eisenbrandt would treat everything from malaria to massive head traumas in the Chu Lai 91st Evac Hospital. Today, her primary advocacy is more personal: Parkinson’s disease.

Veteran Jay Phillips, who has Parkinson’s disease, encourages Veterans, their families and caregivers who have questions about Parkinson’s to join a free online program March 20 from 9 a.m. - noon ET.

In deep brain stimulation surgery, a small wire is placed into the brain to deliver electrical current. The current is an “off switch” for brain signals that cause abnormal physical movements.

A set of research projects at the Cleveland FES Center is using deep brain stimulation, virtual reality, and other technology to better understand how Parkinson's disease affects walking and balance.

Milwaukee VA, Madison VA, other community partners, team up for three-day tai chi seminar to promote healing and mental clarity.

VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers provide expert diagnosis, treatment planning, multidisciplinary care, support groups, and other valuable resources for Veterans with the condition.