WASHINGTON – Research into Parkinson’s disease by physicians and scientists from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits all Americans, said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
“Our Parkinson’s program is an example of the world-class research that reaches beyond veterans,” Nicholson said. “Besides providing the best care in America to veterans, VA also operates a research program that improves the lives of many Americans.”
Nicholson’s remarks came after touring a special center devoted to research, patient care and professional education for Parkinson’s disease at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, one of six facilities in VA devoted Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain that causes tremors. Although treatment exists, there is no cure for this debilitating illness.
While touring the Philadelphia facility, Nicholson was briefed on “deep brain stimulation,” a technique in which physicians insert electrodes into the brains of victims to ease symptoms. VA is also conducting research to determine if various medications improve the lives of victims.
More than 1.5 million Americans have Parkinson’s disease. VA annually treats about 40,000 veterans who have the illness.
VA operates the largest integrated health care system in the nation, with 154 hospitals and more than 875 outpatient clinics. VA facilities this year will care for more than 5.4 million veterans in nearly 600,000 hospitalizations and more than 57 million outpatient visits.
