Billings man fights Parkinson’s Disease with support of Intermountain Health St. Vincent Hospital

Dan Merry of Billings, Mont., was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease three years ago. At the time, he wondered what the future may hold for him, but as an active father and grandfather he refused to let the progressive neurological disease dampen his spirit and outlook.

“When you are first diagnosed, what you hear is the worst-case scenario,” said Merry. “But it isn’t a death sentence, you can live a full life.”

Merry worked closely with Intermountain Healthneurologist Arturo Echeverri, MD, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. While Parkinson’s disease does not have a cure, for patients like Merry, early interventions can help slow the development of symptoms. Under the care of Intermountain neurosurgeon Dr. Stuart Goodman, Merry underwent a deep brain stimulation procedure at Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital. The surgery involved implanting electrodes in targeted areas of the brain, delivering controlled pulses that help manage symptoms such as tremor and difficulty with movement. He also takes medication to help alleviate his symptoms.

Dr. Echeverri also recommended that Merry begin complementary therapies and activities as soon as possible because of their important role in slowing the progression of the disease.

“For all of my Parkinson’s patients I recommend a regular exercise program, physical therapy, and speech therapy,” said Dr. Echeverri. “There are medical treatments for Parkison’s, but the work the patients put in therapy and staying active can make a big difference.”

Merry began with physical therapy at Intermountain Health to help with balance and stability. When the disease started to affect his speech, he turned to Intermountain Health’s specialized speech therapy program focused on helping patients with Parkinson’s.

“This research-based therapy program was developed specifically for people with Parkinson’s and related disorders,” said Abby Etter, speech pathologist at Intermountain Health. “This program helps patients strengthen their voices, improve communication, and address motor skills.”

Etter completed training to become certified in the program. The strategies and approaches address the impact Parkinson’s has on patients’ volume, articulation, breath support for speech and vocal quality. Etter works with patients who are struggling with their speech, identifying focus areas to work on and strengthen.

“I would think I’m talking normally but then my wife and daughter would say they’re struggling to hear me,” said Merry. “Abby would use a decibel reader and measure my voice.”

Merry shared that in his mind he was, “almost yelling,” but the reader would report his vocal levels in the high 60s, meaning what felt like yelling for Merry sounded much quieter to others.

“She really held me accountable – speak up, speak clearly, slow down,” said Merry. “Working with Abby has made a noticeable difference. She helped set me up with exercises to do at home that I do three, sometimes four, times a week. Unfortunately, my Parkinson’s is progressing, but if I do my exercises religiously, everyone notices the difference.”

In addition to the physical and speech therapy that Dan has received, he also participates in a boxing class specifically design to help support Parkinson’s patients. Dan enjoys the community he has built with fellow Parkinson’s patients and shares all the resources that have helped him continue to move forward despite his diagnosis.

“I like to help patients improve their quality of life, which is completely possible with Parkinson’s,” said Etter. “They may continue to have challenges, but we can prevent some of that, and it can be just absolutely night and day difference in how they walk and talk.”

Merry encourages other Parkinson’s patients to invest the time in energy in these complimentary therapies and exercise programs because of the difference it has made in his quality of life and outlook.

“Participating in these programs will help,” said Merry. “But it depends on how involved you are. Like anything, else the more you put in the more you get out.”

For those interested in learning more about how they may benefit from complementary therapies, they may speak with their primary care provider or specialist for a referral or call St. Vincent Regional Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation at 406-238-6400.

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a nonprofit health plan called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://news.intermountainhealth.org/. For more information, see intermountainhealth.org/ or call 801-442-2000.