Awareness Week 2010: Dispelling myths about Parkinson’s

19 April 2010

Parkinson's Awareness Week starts today. To highlight the week we commissioned a survey to uncover what people know about Parkinson's.

Less than 1 in 10 know that younger people get Parkinson's too

The survey found that only 9% of the UK population realise that as many as 1 in 20 people with Parkinson's are diagnosed under the age of 40.

Karen Rose, from Bristol, experienced Parkinson's symptoms from the age of 34 and was eventually diagnosed 8 years ago at 39. She now supports other young people through her local branch of Parkinson's UK.

Image right: Karen Rose

Along with low awareness of Parkinson's affecting younger people, the survey also uncovered a need to dispel some of the common myths about Parkinson's and its symptoms:

• Less than half (43%) of people know that rigidity or stiffness is a symptom of Parkinson's, whereas 91% of people know that a tremor, or involuntary shaking, is a symptom.
• Only 7% of people realise that hallucinations can be a symptom of Parkinson’s. In fact hallucinations affect 23 per cent of people with Parkinson’s.
• Less than half (42%) of the UK population realise that pain is a symptom, but 1 in 5 (22%) of people with Parkinson’s experience pain.

No one has to face Parkinson's alone

Jane Asher, our President, said:

"I know from personal experience the impact Parkinson's can have on people and their families. With support from Parkinson's UK, we can make sure that no one has to face Parkinson's alone."

Steve Ford, our Chief Executive, adds:

"The condition affects people in different ways, and people's symptoms can really vary and can also change over time.

"I see every day the impact that Parkinson's has on people’s lives. It can be a frustrating and isolating condition. But for many people, like Karen, the challenges of Parkinson's have given them a new perspective on life.

"Whatever their situation, anyone affected by Parkinson’s can visit our website or give us a call for free information and support."

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