Walter Lajara-Nanson, MD

Introduction

Dr. Walter A. Lajara-Nanson is a neurologist who is board-certified in both neurology and psychiatry. His psychiatric background helps with caring for those individuals afflicted with neurologic illness. He says, “A patient’s mental health factors into any disease or condition.”

Within his specialty, Dr. Lajara treats patients with neurological conditions and has dedicated much of his career to the treatment of those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. He explains, “As Parkinson’s disease advances, it becomes less of a movement disorder and more of a neuropsychiatric condition.” Dr. Lajara has extensive experience with neuromodulation therapies such as deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease, and vagal nerve stimulation for epilepsy.

Having been a caregiver for his father with Parkinson’s, Dr. Lajara developed a unique insight into the disease and challenges faced by patients and their caregivers – challenges that change with progression of the disease. Although he believed he had a good understanding of those challenges, he later realized how significant Parkinson’s affects patients and their families. Caregiver stress is an important part of any chronic illness and he frequently addresses this issue in his practice.

“Patient care is what motivates me and brings me to work every day, and always has. I feel fortunate to still feel that way after 25 years,” Dr. Lajara says with confidence.

Drawn to the outdoors, Dr. Lajara is an avid scuba diver who also loves hiking and nature travel.