This study examines differences in the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) among Hispanic and non-Hispanic people with PD (PwP) in South Texas.

Hispanic populations remain underrepresented in PD research and face significant barriers to PD diagnosis and treatment, including gaps in health care access, lower health related quality of life, and limited culturally tailored care. In South Texas, systemic barriers such as limited specialist access may further contribute to inequities in care.

This retrospective cohort study is a cross-sectional analysis of PD presentation and healthcare disparities between self-identified Hispanic and non-Hispanic PwP upon their first visit to a movement disorders clinic at an academic center in South Texas between July 2014 and December 2022. Data were analyzed using t-test chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test.

Of 971 PwP, 34% identified as Hispanic. Hispanic PwP were younger (mean age 68.5 vs 70.5, p=0.005), had a longer interval from symptom onset to diagnosis (3.1 vs 2.4 years, p=0.016), and presented less often in the “On” state (43.8% vs 51.0%, p=0.015) despite similar rates of PD medication use (59.2% vs 58.7% taking levodopa, p=0.874). Hispanic patients reported fewer cognitive changes (36.6% vs 46.4%, p=0.003) and hyposmia (23.6% vs 33.3%, p=0.002) but had more vascular comorbidities, including hypertension (54.7% vs 48.0%, p=0.047) and diabetes (27.2% vs 12.5%, p<0.001). No significant differences were found in PD medications prescribed, surgical treatment for PD, or other non-motor symptoms.

Hispanic patients with PD in South Texas are younger but may have less adequately treated motor symptoms and experience longer diagnostic delays compared to non-Hispanic patients. They also report fewer cognitive and olfactory symptoms. These findings highlight disparities in PD detection and care, underscoring the need for culturally informed outreach, education, and equitable access to neurologic care in Hispanic communities.