## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [Finding Care](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [Finding Care](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care) # Hispanic and Latino Community & Parkinson’s ## 💡 Quick Summary - Hispanic and Latino people with Parkinson’s often face healthcare disparities, faster disability progression, higher risk of [cognitive changes](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/cognitive "Cognitive Changes") and underrepresentation in research. - Early diagnosis, working with a PD specialist, maintaining an exercise routine, managing medications and addressing mental health can improve quality of life. - Participation in research, including [PD GENEration](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation"), access to Spanish-language resources and family involvement help empower the Hispanic and Latino PD community. ![Three generation Hispanic family taking walk in park](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/Hispanic_Latino_Community.jpg?itok=oQQHKsgG) [En español](/espanol/vivir-con-parkinson/encontrando-atencion-medica/comunidad-hispana-y-latina "Comunidad hispana y latina y Parkinson") Hispanic and Latino members of the Parkinson’s disease (PD) community often face distinct barriers to living well with Parkinson’s. Understanding these challenges can help empower you to advocate for the care you deserve. Those who identify as Hispanic and Latino come from a wide range of culturally and socially diverse backgrounds, from a multitude of nations. Hispanic and Latino people living with a Parkinson’s diagnosis are underrepresented in research. They are also more likely to experience gaps in healthcare access and coverage, faster disability progression, greater possibility of [cognitive (thinking) changes](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/cognitive "Cognitive Changes") and worse quality of life. The Parkinson’s Foundation acknowledges and brings awareness to these disparities for the Hispanic and Latino PD community. We work to make quality healthcare more accessible to everyone with Parkinson's. ## Information That Can Empower Though the 2022 U.S. census shows Hispanic and Latino people make up nearly 20% of the country’s population (63.6 million people), members of this community are underrepresented when it comes to Parkinson’s research. Some available study findings as they relate to Hispanic and Latino people with Parkinson’s include: While symptoms and disease progression are unique to each person, a 2023 study examined rural areas in California to reveal higher diagnosis numbers of [young-onset Parkinson’s disease](/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/young-onset-parkinsons "Young-Onset Parkinson's") (YOPD) and worse [movement](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms "Movement Symptoms") and [non-movement symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms "Non-Movement Symptoms") in Hispanic and Latino people. The same study found that they did not receive adequate care compared to white non-Hispanic and Latino people (Duarte Folle et al., 2023). [Parkinson’s symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms "Movement Symptoms") result from the brain’s inability to produce the chemical dopamine. Many PD medicines, called dopaminergic therapies, either temporarily replenish dopamine or mimic its action. One study found below average management of [dopaminergic therapies](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications "Prescription Medications") in Hispanic and Latino people with PD. > Work with your doctor to develop a tailored treatment plan. Parkinson’s medications work best when they are taken on time, every time. Another study explored existing research on variations in PD symptoms in different ethnic groups and responses to treatment. The study found that Hispanic, Latino and Black people seem to be at a higher risk for Parkinson’s-related [cognitive impairment](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/cognitive "Cognitive Changes"). However, the reasons, whether due to health or genetic factors or healthcare disparities, remain unknown. > While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, research shows that regular exercise can boost cognitive function in PD and improve some symptoms. Establishing an [exercise routine](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") soon after diagnosis is essential. In a 2023 study of people who enrolled in the Fox Insight online study — including 1,161 Hispanic and Latino people and more than 24,000 White, non-Hispanic and Latino people — Hispanic and Latino participants reported greater depression and worse health-related well-being. > [Depression](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/depression "Depression") is a common PD symptom that is often treatable. It’s important to take depression seriously, talk to your doctor about symptoms and treatment options. Financial barriers, less access to high-quality healthcare, lack of health insurance and communication difficulties for people who need a Spanish-speaking doctor can all complicate healthcare for Hispanic and Latino people. - If you need help finding a Parkinson’s specialist, local educational and exercise classes, call our [Helpline](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline") at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636). Our Helpline specialists can answer your PD questions in English and Spanish. - If you need help navigating healthcare, contact the National Hispanic Family Health Helpline, Su Familia, at 1-866-783-2645. Operated by the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, this bilingual service offers confidential, free health information in Spanish and English. ## Stories from the Community ![Candice Rodriguez and her brother](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/Candice_Rodriguez.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=qrqjKOds) Family Members ### [ Candice Rodriguez ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/candice-rodriguez) READ NOW ![Cristina Ibarra on boat](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/cristina_ibarra.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=8C7llQsZ) Family Members ### [ Cristina Ibarra ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/cristina-ibarra) READ NOW ![Joel Diaz holding his daughter](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/joel-diaz.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=yyPDlpSJ) People with PD ### [ Joel Diaz ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/joel-diaz) READ NOW ## Parkinson's & Genetics [Genetics](/understanding-parkinsons/causes/genetics "Genetics & Parkinson's") cause about 10% to 15% of all Parkinson's. Scientists generally agree that a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as head injury or exposure to [chemicals or toxins](/understanding-parkinsons/causes/environmental-factors "Environmental Factors"), cause PD. Until recently, the only PD genome-wide association studies (GWAS) genetic included people of European and East Asian ancestry. However, authors of [an innovative 2021 study](/blog/science-news/genetics-latinos "Groundbreaking Research Explores Genetic Causes of Parkinson's in Latinos") in the *Annals of Neurology*, examined the first-ever GWAS of Latinos with PD. These studies are designed to pinpoint links between common [genetic variants](/understanding-parkinsons/causes/genetics/understanding-genetics "Understanding Genetics") and risk for specific diseases. Along with many investigators across Latin America, study author Ignacio Mata, PhD, of the Cleveland Clinic, a member of the Parkinson’s Foundation [Global Care Network](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/global-care-network "Global Care Network"), leveraged data from the Latin American Research Consortium on the Genetics of Parkinson’s Disease (LARGE-PD) — the world’s largest PD case-control group of Latinos. The researchers discovered that the PD-related [*SNCA* gene](/node/448) was found to be significantly associated to PD risk in the Latino population. Researchers also found several novel genetic regions of possible importance that could not be replicated, due to the limited number of study participants. ### How to Advocate for Better Parkinson’s Care The more you know about living with Parkinson’s, the better you can steer your care: - Choose a doctor who answers your questions, treats you with respect and makes you comfortable. When possible, [seek out a neurologist with additional training in movement disorders](/library/fact-sheets/specialist "Finding a Specialist") to guide your Parkinson’s care. These specialists can often recommend other healthcare providers to your PD team who may be helpful with day-to-day challenges. - Commit to an [exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") routine, work with your doctor to find the right [medications](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications "Prescription Medications") and take an [active role in your PD symptom management](/living-with-parkinsons/management "Management & Lifestyle") to maintain independence and mobility. - Take care of your [mental health](/blog/awareness/advocate-mental-health "How to Advocate for Your Mental Health with Parkinson’s"). At least 50% of people experience [depression](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/depression "Depression") in PD and nearly 40% experience an [anxiety](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/anxiety "Anxiety") disorder. Treating depression is one of the most significant ways to improve quality of life. Seeking support when you experience mood changes can also boost your cognitive [well-being](/blog/awareness/well-being-practices "Building Well-Being Practices into Everyday Life with Parkinson’s"). - Include your spouse and family members in discussions with your doctor. Parkinson’s is a family affair: everyone in your family is affected. [Adult children](/library/podcast/142 "Episode 142: Being There for Your Parent with Parkinson’s") often want to help, but do not know how to begin. - Ask your healthcare provider if they are up to date with the latest [research opportunities](/advancing-research/join-study "Join A Study") and whether you might qualify to participate. - Help further Parkinson’s research. Consider enrolling in [PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation") in [English](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation") or [Spanish](/espanol/investigacion/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Impulsado por la Parkinson’s Foundation"). ### If you feel more comfortable speaking and reading information in Spanish: - Advocate for yourself. Request educational materials in Spanish from your doctors. - Contact your healthcare provider prior to your appointment and ask them to supply an interpreter. - Visit the [Spanish-language section](/espanol "Inicio") at [Parkinson.org/Espanol](/espanol "Inicio"). - Contact our Spanish-speaking **[Helpline](/espanol/recursos-y-apoyo/linea-de-ayuda "Línea de Ayuda gratis")** specialists for PD referrals and local resources. ### Explore our resources in Spanish Find information, podcast episodes and books. [LEARN MORE](/espanol) ## For Healthcare Professionals This vast community of people from diverse cultures and countries can have distinct, individual needs in Parkinson’s. Treating every Hispanic or Latino person as an individual is as important as culturally sensitive care. Hispanic and Latino people face greater risk of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s and are inadequately represented in PD studies. Depression is common in PD. Research shows antidepressant medications can improve well-being and potentially help prevent significant disability, including cognitive decline. Staying up to date with the latest Parkinson’s studies and sharing research opportunities with Hispanic and Latino people living with PD can increase their participation. Involving family in care and providing information on Parkinson’s disease in a person’s native language can also increase research involvement. - ### Resources for Healthcare Professionals - Take part in our accredited Spanish course for health professionals, available on our [Learning Lab](/resources-support/professionals/online-courses "Learning Lab"). - Call our [Helpline](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline") to order PD resources in Spanish for your office at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636). - ### Making an Impact The Parkinson’s Foundation works to remove barriers to care, make research more inclusive, and support [populations of focus](/about-us/vision-mission/diversity-equity-inclusion "Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion") through information and resources. - The [Promotores de Salud Program](/espanol/promotores "Promotores de Salud") engages community health workers, who are embedded in the Hispanic community, to provide peer-to-peer education and support. This program, with the goal of expansion, allows the Foundation to work with promotores to share critical PD information and resources, and show how care and education are linked to clinical research participation within the Spanish-speaking community. - The **[PD GENE Latino Advisory Committee](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration/study-leadership "PD GENEration Leadership")** works with the Foundation to develop strategies to increase clinical research education, awareness and participation among Hispanics and Latinos with Parkinson’s throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean. The committee focuses on Parkinson’s Foundation studies, including [PD GENEration](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation"). - Parkinson’s Foundation [chapters](/resources-support/find-your-chapter "Find Your Chapter") provide people with Parkinson's and caregivers access to local resources and services through education programs. Chapters continuously broaden community outreach within the Hispanic and Latino community through education initiatives and [events](/resources-support/events "Events"). - ### Community Grants Working Towards Change The Foundation’s [community grant program](/resources-support/community-grants "Community Grants") funds programs that reach the Hispanic and Latino members of the PD community. Below we highlight two community grantees: - **Promotoras y Embajadoras de Parkinson - Parkinson's Promotors and Ambassadors 2023, Give for a Smile, Garden Grove, CA** This free program is tailored for all community leaders, people with PD and family members, caregivers, and California residents who want to better understand Parkinson's. This program prepares promotores (health workers who work in Spanish-speaking communities), providing them with skills and tools to outreach and more effectively deliver education to PD-affected communities and individuals. - **Virtual Interactive Educational Series on Non-Motor Symptoms for Spanish-Speaking Parkinson’s Disease Patients and Their Families, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL** Recognizing that PD education is not widely available for Spanish-speaking people with PD in their native tongue, this program aims to develop a culturally sensitive virtual interactive educational lecture series in Spanish. The program will host three, one-hour lectures about [non-movement symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms "Non-Movement Symptoms") related to mental health in PD, discussing and breaking Hispanic/Latinx cultural stigmas related to PD and available therapies for [mental health in PD](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health "Emotional & Mental Health"). ## Learn More The Parkinson’s Foundation works to remove barriers to care, make research more inclusive, and support [populations of focus](/about-us/vision-mission/diversity-equity-inclusion "Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion") through information and resources. - Explore [EP Salud En Casa - PD Health @ Home](/espanol/recursos-y-apoyo/ep-salud-en-casa "EP Salud En Casa") to access PD-tailored fitness videos, guided meditations and weekly PD education events that can help you take charge of your well-being in the comfort of your home. - Listen to the podcast [What We’ve Learned from the Hispanic Parkinson’s Community](/library/podcast/12 "Episode 12: What We’ve Learned from the Hispanic Parkinson’s Community") to discover Parkinson’s programs that are available to Spanish speakers in Phoenix, across the United States, and around the world. - Read our Science News article [Groundbreaking Research Explores Genetic Causes of Parkinson's in Latinos](/blog/science-news/genetics-latinos "Groundbreaking Research Explores Genetic Causes of Parkinson's in Latinos") to learn more about the importance of increasing the genetic diversity of research participants. ### Looking for resources in Spanish? Explore our 50 dedicated pages available in Spanish, along with resources. [VISIT PARKINSON.ORG/RECURSOS](/espanol/recursos-y-apoyo) *Page reviewed by Dr. Ignacio Mata, Assistant Staff/Professor at the Cleveland Clinic, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, and Coordinator of the Latin America Research consortium on the Genetics of PD (LARGE-PD).* - ### References Ben-Joseph, A., Marshall, C. R., Lees, A. J., & Noyce, A. J. (2020). Ethnic variation in the manifestation of parkinson’s disease: A narrative review. Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, 10(1), 31–45. Damron, L., Litvan, I., Bayram, E., Berk, S., Siddiqi, B., & Shill, H. (2021). Hispanic perspectives on parkinson’s disease care and research participation. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 81(2), 809–819. Duarte Folle, A., Flores, M. E. S., Kusters, C., Paul, K. C., Del Rosario, I., Zhang, K., Ruiz, C., Castro, E., Bronstein, J., Ritz, B., & Keener, A. M. (2023). Ethnicity and parkinson’s disease: Motor and nonmotor features and disease progression in Latino patients living in rural California. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 78(7), 1258–1268. Funk, C., & Lopez, M. H. (2022, June 14). 2. Hispanic Americans’ experiences with Health Care. Pew Research Center Science & Society. González Burchard, E., Borrell, L. N., Choudhry, S., Naqvi, M., Tsai, H.-J., Rodriguez-Santana, J. R., Chapela, R., Rogers, S. D., Mei, R., Rodriguez-Cintron, W., Arena, J. F., Kittles, R., Perez-Stable, E. J., Ziv, E., & Risch, N. (2005). Latino populations: A unique opportunity for the study of race, genetics, and social environment in epidemiological research. American Journal of Public Health, 95(12), 2161–2168. Jones, J. D., Uribe-Kirby, R., Rivas, R., Cuellar-Rocha, P., Valenzuela, Y., Luna, K., Dashtipour, K., & Santos, M. (2023). Mental health disparities and the role of perceived discrimination among Latinx individuals living with parkinson’s disease. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 116, 105867. Juckett, G. (2013, January 1). *Caring for Latino patients*. American Family Physician. Van Den Eeden, S. K. (2003). Incidence of parkinson’s disease: Variation by age, gender, and Race/ethnicity. American Journal of Epidemiology, 157(>11), 1015–1022. ### Recursos en español Descubre nuestros recursos disponibles en español. [Leer Más](/espanol/recursos-y-apoyo) ### Share Your Journey Empower others navigating Parkinson’s today when you share your story about living with Parkinson’s. [I'M READY TO SHARE MY STORY](/living-with-parkinsons/my-pd-story/submit) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn