Key Information About Parkinson’s Disease for Hispanic and Latino Veterans

More than 110,000 veterans with Parkinson’s disease (PD) receive care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For everyone with Parkinson’s, an accurate diagnosis is critical because treatments and resources are available to help people with Parkinson’s live better lives. Many U.S. military veterans with Parkinson’s have access to specialized medical care and financial assistance through the VA.

Early signs of Parkinson’s disease include a tremor in your finger, thumb or hand, a loss in smell, trouble sleeping, trouble walking and more. Learn all 10 early signs here. There are many resources that are available to veterans who are living with Parkinson’s or are experiencing early signs.

Since 2020, the Parkinson’s Foundation and the VA have partnered to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for veterans with PD and their loved ones. The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s by improving care and advancing research toward a cure.

Together, the Foundation and the VA focus on making it easier for the veteran community to locate Parkinson’s support and specialty care through a library of co-created resources.

About Parkinson’s and the Hispanic and Latino Community

• Hispanic and Latino people with PD often face distinct barriers to living well with Parkinson’s. Understanding these challenges can help empower you to advocate for the care you deserve.
• The Parkinson’s Foundation acknowledges and brings awareness to these disparities for the Hispanic and Latino PD community. They work to make quality healthcare more accessible to everyone with Parkinson's.
• Though the 2022 U.S. census shows Hispanic and Latino people make up nearly 20% of the country’s population (63.6 million people), members of this community are underrepresented when it comes to Parkinson’s research.
• Research shows that Hispanic and Latino members of the PD community:
  
  • Have higher diagnosis of early-onset Parkinson’s disease (EOPD).
  • Have worse movement and non-movement symptoms.
  • Do not receive adequate care compared to white non-Hispanic and Latino people.
  • Have below average management of dopamine therapies, which help fight Parkinson’s symptoms.
  • Are at higher risk for PD-related cognitive impairment.

Learn more about the Hispanic and Latino Community & Parkinson’s. »

Parkinson’s Resources

• Visit Parkinson.org/Veterans for more information about veterans resources and benefits.
• Visit Parkinson.org/Resources for more information about Parkinson’s disease.
• Contact the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for answers to your Parkinson’s questions and referrals to PD experts.
• Visit Parkinson.org/HispanicLatinoCommunity to learn more about the Hispanic and Latino community and Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s Resources in Spanish

• Visit Veteranos y Parkinson for information about veterans and Parkinson’s in Spanish.
• Visit Parkinson.org/Espanol for PD resources in Spanish, including the PD Library, blog, virtual programs and more
• Contact the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636), option 3 for Spanish.
• Explore EP Salud en Casa for PD-tailored fitness videos and education events that can help you take charge of your well-being in the comfort of your home.

Learn more about Veterans and Parkinson’s and veterans benefits at Veterans & Parkinson's for resources in English or Veteranos y Parkinson for resources in Spanish.