When Vincent DeMarro, a Veteran living in West Chester, Pennsylvania, began experiencing a puzzling mix of symptoms—muscle tremors, loss of smell, and gastrointestinal issues—he had no idea they were all connected. Years passed before he received a diagnosis of parkinsonism, a neurological condition that shares many characteristics with Parkinson’s disease. But once he was connected with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) telehealth services, his care took a transformative turn. For DeMarro, telehealth didn’t just improve his quality of life—it saved it.

Telehealth for Veterans is more than just a technological convenience; it’s a lifeline. In DeMarro’s case, it meant access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists without the physical and emotional toll of frequent travel. After initial consultations at the Coatesville VA Medical Center and the Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center (PADRECC) in Philadelphia, DeMarro was enrolled in the National TeleNeurology Program (NTNP). This program connects Veterans with expert neurologists and support teams regardless of geographic distance.

One of those experts is Dr. Beth Whittington, a neurologist based in Indiana. Through video visits and remote monitoring, she has been able to offer DeMarro consistent, personalized care. Despite being hundreds of miles away, she has become a central figure in his treatment plan. “Dr. Whittington has been like a guardian angel for me,” DeMarro shared. Her involvement has extended beyond medical advice—she has helped secure accommodations such as county transportation and telework certification, both of which are crucial since DeMarro can no longer drive due to freezing episodes caused by his condition.

The ability to receive neurological care from home has proven especially valuable given the physical challenges associated with parkinsonism. Traveling to the PADRECC in Philadelphia, a two-hour journey, is no small feat for someone who struggles to remain stationary for more than 45 minutes. Remote care has removed this barrier entirely, allowing DeMarro to focus his energy on managing his symptoms rather than enduring exhausting commutes.

One particularly innovative aspect of DeMarro’s care involved the use of a wrist-worn monitoring device to track his sleep and muscle spasms. This allowed Dr. Whittington to gather comprehensive data over several days without requiring an in-person visit. The insights gained from this device, along with health data DeMarro submitted through the VA’s My HealtheVet platform, enabled her to adjust his nighttime medication. The result was a notable decrease in tremors and improved sleep quality—an outcome that would have been difficult to achieve through traditional, episodic clinic visits alone.

Telehealth’s impact extends beyond medical treatment. DeMarro also participates in a TelePhysical therapy group tailored for Veterans with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonism. These virtual sessions offer more than just physical exercises; they create a supportive environment where Veterans can share experiences and strategies for managing daily life. “It’s nice talking to people who are going through the same thing as you,” DeMarro said. These sessions often include insights from nutritionists, pharmacists, and mental health professionals, addressing the full spectrum of challenges that come with chronic neurological conditions.

What stands out about DeMarro’s story is the integrated nature of his care. His telehealth team doesn’t operate in silos. Instead, they collaborate to provide holistic support, whether it’s customizing a gym workout to prevent symptom progression or offering guidance on navigating stressful social situations like the holidays. For DeMarro, this level of personalized care has marked a turning point. “For the first time in over three years my condition didn’t get worse,” he said. “I don’t know where I’d be today without my telehealth team.”

As telehealth continues to evolve, stories like DeMarro’s highlight its potential to bridge gaps in access and deliver expert care directly into the homes of those who need it most. With programs like NTNP and TelePhysical Therapy, the VA is setting a standard for how technology can be used to enhance—not replace—the human connections at the heart of quality healthcare. For Veterans managing complex conditions such as parkinsonism, these services are not just beneficial—they can be life-changing.

For those interested in learning more about how to access telehealth services through the VA, including TeleNeurology, PADRECC, or TelePhysical Therapy, speaking with a VA care team is the first step. The integration of technology and compassionate care is proving to be a powerful combination, offering hope and stability to Veterans across the country.

Read more at news.va.gov