Parkinson’s disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease in the U.S. Approximately 110,000 Veterans receive Parkinson’s treatment through VA.
VAntage Point
How much do you know about Parkinson’s disease?
VA’s partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation
The Parkinson’s Foundation is promoting the #KnowMorePD campaign to spread awareness about Parkinson’s disease.
April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.
The Parkinson’s Foundation provides free resources to make life better for those living with Parkinson’s disease. This includes 110,000 Veterans who are diagnosed with this neurological disease, as well as their families, caregivers and loved ones.
VA has partnered with the Parkinson’s Foundation to leverage the strengths of both entities to help Veterans who are diagnosed with the disease live healthier lives. VA operates six Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Centers (PADRECCs) and 51 affiliated Consortium Centers across the country.
VAntage Point
Partnership assists Veterans with Parkinson’s disease
Vietnam Veteran nurse a Parkinson’s Foundation champion
Lou Graul Eisenbrandt was one of only 13 women aboard her Army-chartered flight to Chu Lai, Vietnam, in 1969. She, like many service members, had a limited understanding of the war as she deployed overseas (pictured above). She quickly learned why they were needed, once arriving on the ground.
The registered nurse worked at the 91st Evac Hospital. She treated everything from malaria to massive head traumas in the upcoming year.
“I saw pretty much every injury you could imagine, and even survived some early morning rocket attacks,” she said. “After coming home, I wanted to use my experiences to educate others.”