Glen Higa, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, discovered that he is part of a growing group of individuals under 50 dealing with Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD).
Let’s first explore Higa’s personal story before diving into the statistics. His experience has motivated him to dedicate his life to raising awareness and supporting those facing the life-changing news of having Parkinson’s.
Diagnosed with YOPD in 2018, Higa shared his journey of becoming involved with the Hawaiʻi Parkinson Association, where he now holds the position of president. He highlighted the feelings of isolation and solitude that often accompany Parkinson’s, mentioning that many individuals affected by the disease tend to withdraw from social interactions.
“In 2018 or 2019, about a year after my Young-Onset Parkinson’s diagnosis, I got involved with the Hawaiʻi Parkinson Association,” said Higa. “Initially, I helped with administrative and marketing tasks, and in 2023, I was elected as the president of the organization.”
Looking back on his Parkinson’s journey, Higa revealed a period of uncertainty leading up to his diagnosis. “I had a feeling that something was wrong for a couple of years before I was diagnosed,” he shared. “Around 2014 or 2015, I started experiencing wrist pain and slight tremors, which led me to seek medical advice.”
Initially, Higa’s symptoms were not given much attention by his primary care physician, who recommended consulting a neurologist as a precaution. After a six-month wait for a neurology appointment, Higa received the life-changing news: “You have Parkinson’s.”
Inspired by well-known figures like Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali, Higa made a career shift from sales to becoming a dedicated advocate for Parkinson’s awareness, support, and education in the community.
With approximately 8,000 people in Hawaiʻi affected by Parkinson’s, Higa pointed out the problem of underdiagnosis and limited access to treatment due to factors such as restricted healthcare availability and financial challenges. Predictions suggest a potential doubling of Parkinson’s cases by 2030, influenced by increased awareness and factors like toxin exposure among returning veterans.
While Parkinson’s disease progresses over time, Higa stressed the importance of early detection and proactive treatment. He highlighted the positive impact of exercise in managing Parkinson’s symptoms and encouraged a positive mindset to tackle the difficulties associated with the disease.
To access comprehensive support and resources, individuals can visit the Hawaiʻi Parkinson Association website, which provides information on support groups, exercise initiatives, and other valuable resources for individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s. Additionally, a resource center at the St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaiʻi’s Liliha campus offers further assistance on specific days.