Parkinson’s Disease and the Black Community
In this Beyond Clinical Walls Podcast episode, Dr. BCW hosts a discussion on Parkinson’s disease, featuring guests Dr. Shah and Mr. & Mrs. Coley. The guests share their experiences and work raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease, emphasizing its impact on various communities, specifically communities of color with which Parkinson’s is not commonly associated. Dr. Shah, a neurologist and movement disorder specialist, focuses on addressing healthcare disparities, increasing access to care, and ensuring high-quality treatment for Parkinson’s patients.
Mrs. Coley, a Parkinson’s advocate and patient herself, highlights her efforts to provide education, resources, and research on Parkinson’s to underrepresented communities. Mr. Coley, her care partner, emphasizes the ripple effect of the disease on the entire family and discusses the importance of addressing health disparities, particularly in communities of color.
Dr. BCW acknowledges the progressive nature of Parkinson’s and the challenge of detecting its symptoms, especially in underrepresented groups. The conversation aims to shed light on the intersectionality of Parkinson’s and its impact on individuals and communities. The guests discuss invisible symptoms, known as non-motor symptoms, which can affect various organ systems in the body. They stress the significance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent individuals from suffering without appropriate care.
The episode concludes with Dr. Shah discussing the group’s work on their book PD Movers, a free book aimed and providing increased health literacy regarding the impact of Parkinson’s on the Black community. Check out this great episode in its entirety for more information.
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