In the shadow of the Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis, hope emerges for the individuals grappling with the burdens of Parkinson’s disease. This insidious neurological disorder, marked by tremors, rigidity, and impaired motor skills, has affected countless lives.
Particularly affected are those who once called Camp Lejeune home. However, amidst the challenges, a ray of optimism emerges as medical progress unveils new avenues for managing the symptoms.
This article delves into the realm of medical advancement and the avenue of compensation for Camp Lejeune’s Parkinson’s disease victims.
Table of Contents
The History of Camp Lejeune’s Contaminated Water
As a result of Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, many service members and their families at the Marine Corps base were exposed to chemicals. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to several health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders.
Parkinson’s disease is one of the health problems that has been linked to exposure to the chemicals at Camp Lejeune.
The contamination of the water supply at Camp Lejeune was not discovered until 1982. At that time, the Marine Corps began to take steps to clean up the contamination. However, the cleanup process was slow and incomplete.
Recently, in 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was passed. The act allowed victims of Camp Lejeune to file civil lawsuits for damages caused by the contaminated water.
Business Wire notes that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act stands as a significant and pioneering legal framework. It enables military personnel, facility staff, and their families to initiate lawsuits seeking compensation for severe health issues.
While the federal government is shielded from legal action by military personnel, this legislation eliminates that protection. It makes the government susceptible to legal accountability and permits redress for those who suffered harm.
The Link Between Camp Lejeune and Parkinson’s Disease
There is growing evidence that exposure to certain chemicals can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. One of these chemicals is trichloroethylene (TCE), which was found in the water at Camp Lejeune. TCE is a known neurotoxin that can damage the brain.
In a recent study published in JAMA Neurology, the medical records of 84,824 veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune were meticulously analyzed by researchers. The drinking water at Camp Lejeune had been compromised with TCE, PCE, and several other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The study highlighted that the median monthly levels of TCE in the base’s water supply exceeded permissible limits by over 70 times. Researchers underscored that Camp Lejeune veterans exhibited a 70% elevated risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
The link between Camp Lejeune exposure and Parkinson’s disease is a serious concern. Service members who were stationed at Camp Lejeune need to be aware of the risk and seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms.
Medical Progress for Camp Lejeune’s Parkinson’s Victims
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. In recent years, there has been some progress in developing new treatments for Parkinson’s disease.
For instance, according to Yahoo! Finance, Aspen Neuroscience has revealed that the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for ANPD001 has been granted clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This significant development paves the way to advance with a clinical trial aimed at evaluating personalized cell therapy to address Parkinson’s disease. Subsequently, Aspen is gearing up to launch a groundbreaking Phase 1/2a clinical trial that will involve individuals dealing with moderate to severe Parkinson’s Disease.
Other new treatments being developed for Parkinson’s disease include:
- Gene therapy: Gene therapy is a technique that involves inserting a healthy gene into a person’s cells to replace a mutated gene. Gene therapy is being explored as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
- Stem cell therapy: Stem cell therapy involves using stem cells to repair damaged neurons in the brain. Stem cell therapy is also being explored as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
- Brain implants: Brain implants are devices that are implanted in the brain to deliver electrical stimulation or medication to specific areas of the brain. Brain implants are being used to treat a variety of neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease.
Hope for Camp Lejeune’s Parkinson’s Victims
Hope for Camp Lejeune’s victims comes from the medical progress and the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
TorHoerman Law notes that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which was passed in 2022, allows victims of Camp Lejeune to file civil lawsuits for damages caused by the contaminated water.
To file for a claim, you will need to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal options. Some of the best lawyers for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit bring a wealth of expertise honed through handling comparable cases. They will lend valuable insights and strategies tailored to your situation.
To file a lawsuit, you must have lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987. You must also have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Advocacy Groups For Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s Disease Awareness
In addition to the medical progress and the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, there are also several advocacy groups working to raise awareness of the issue and to fight for better treatment for victims. These groups are providing hope and support to those who have been affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
You can become a part of such groups to stay updated about curative treatments and stay informed about the developments in the lawsuit.
Conclusion
In the face of adversity at Camp Lejeune, a beacon of optimism shines through for those grappling with Parkinson’s disease. As medical progress strides forward, offering innovative treatments and personalized care plans, individuals find solace in the promise of enhanced well-being.
Additionally, the prospect of seeking justice through legal means adds a dimension of empowerment. With experienced lawyers specializing in Camp Lejeune cases, the journey toward accountability becomes more navigable.
Collectively, the convergence of medical advancements and legal representation empowers Camp Lejeune’s Parkinson’s disease victims to forge ahead with strength and determination.
