Mega Doctor News
In the United States, about one million people are living with Parkinson’s disease, per the Parkinson’s Foundation, making it the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s.
With 90,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the U.S., per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease is predicted to double to two million by 2040.
A progressive neurological disorder, Parkinson’s disease primarily affects movement, causing symptoms like tremors, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness.
“Parkison’s disease is characterized by a loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for coordinating movement,” says Rosalinda Flores, MD, an STHS Clinics neurology inpatient hospitalistwith South Texas Health System. “While often associated with motor symptoms, the disorder can also result in non-movement related issues like depression, sleep problems and cognitive changes, including memory problems, difficulty with decision-making and changes in personality.”
Parkinson’s disease is not inherently fatal, meaning it doesn’t directly cause death. But the disease can lead to complications and related health issues that, in some cases, can be life-threatening.
Early diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease is essential. In addition to helping an individual manage their symptoms, beginning medication in a timely manner can help potentially slow disease progression and improve quality of life. Delaying treatment, on the other hand, may lead to worsening symptoms and complications.
Additionally, physical, speech and occupational therapy can play a vital role in managing and improving Parkinson’s disease symptoms, function and quality of life while reducing disability from day one.
“Rehabilitation professionals provide care with the goal of keeping Parkinson’s disease sufferers communicating well, engaging in activities they love and moving well,” says Abby Garza-Leal, OTR, OTD, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy with the STHS McAllen Outpatient Rehabilitation Center. “Rehabilitative care is critical toimproving health outcomes, with growing evidence showing the benefit for movement and non-movement symptom management, activities of daily living and quality of life.”
To help Rio Grande Valley residents better understand Parkinson’s Disease and its impact on long-term health this Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, South Texas Health System and STHS Clinics will devote the latest episode of their monthly “South Texas Healthy Living” television program to the neurodegenerative disorder, which primarily affects older adults.
Broadcast live on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO-TV NBC 23, the program will feature a sit-down interview with Garza-Leal on the early warning signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, the complications associated with the disorder and the treatment options available for those diagnosed.
Additionally, STHS System Director of Marketing & Public Relations and “South Texas Healthy Living” host Tom Castañeda sits down with Edward Cantu, a 52-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in January 2024, to find out how the disorder has impacted his quality of life and get his advicefor those who suspect they may have Parkinson’s.
The program will also feature a special cooking segment led by Patrick Woodin, South Texas Health System McAllen’s director of dietary & nutrition services, a demonstration of essential strength training and balance exercises with a member of the STHS Edinburg Outpatient Rehabilitation Center and important strategies to help reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
“Education about the impact of Parkinson’s on the mind, body and spirit is crucial because it empowers individuals to understand their condition, manage symptoms and improve their overall quality of life,” says Castañeda. “But that’s not all… It can also help caregivers by providing them with the knowledge and skills to better support individuals with the disorder, including the nature of Parkinson’s, its progression and the motor and non-motor symptoms associated with it. Additionally, there are simple exercises you can do from the comfort of your home toimprove motor skills, reduce rigidity, enhance balance and even positively impact cognitive functions. This episode is all about helping you get healthy and stay healthy!”
To learn more about Parkinson’s disease, don’t miss the latest episode of “South Texas Healthy Living” on Sunday, April 27 at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO-TV NBC 23.
To watch previous episodes of “South Texas Healthy Living” and the system’s South Texas Health Updates, one minute videos offering education on various health issues, visit South Texas Health System’s Medical Minute pageon ValleyCentral.com.
