On the next episode of “Dr. Gilbert Hosts,” Dr. Ruth Walker will discuss the relationship between military exposures and Parkinson’s disease (PD), clinical care for PD at the VA, and scientific research into military exposures and PD. Additionally, a veteran living with PD will speak about his experiences. Register now for this American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) webinar, taking place on November 10, 9am PT.
About veterans
Veterans may be at an increased risk of PD because of their service. Evidence suggests that one cause of PD may be exposure to pesticides or herbicides. During the Vietnam War, many veterans were exposed to Agent Orange, a mix of herbicides that were used by the US military to defoliate trees and remove concealment for the enemy.
Veterans are entitled to PD care and support. Veterans with PD from any branch of the military who were exposed to Agent Orange during service may be eligible for disability compensation and health care coverage from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Learn more by checking out the APDA’s special booklet dedicated to veterans with PD. This booklet has tons of information about PD with a specific focus on veterans, including the benefits available to those who served.
About the speakers
Ruth H. Walker, MD, PhD, is the director of the movement disorders clinic at the James J. Peters Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center in the Bronx, NY and is also a neurologist at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Dr. Walker obtained her medical degree from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and went on to complete a PhD in basal ganglia neuroanatomy at the University of Edinburgh and MIT. Following a neurology residency at New York University School of Medicine, she returned for a fellowship in Movement Disorders at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Walker’s research focuses on functional neuroanatomy and neurochemistry of the basal ganglia and clinicopathologic correlations of movement disorders. She has a particular interest in rare genetic disorders. Along with her colleague at the Bronx VA, Dr. Melissa Nirenberg, she has a newly-funded grant to look at the role of head injury in the development of Parkinson’s disease and related disorders in veterans.
Additionally, we’ll hear directly from a veteran who is living with PD.
The host is the APDA’s chief scientific officer Dr. Rebecca Gilbert.
About the webinar
This live broadcast will be streamed via YouTube. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to watch.
Dr. Walker will answer questions live during the broadcast.