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Parkinson's Awareness Week 2013
15-21 April

In Parkinson's Awareness Week we asked people to put themselves in the shoes of people with Parkinson's and take a small step to understanding the condition.

What life is like with Parkinson's - people's stories

Sarah's story

Duration: 2 minutes 7 seconds



And lots more people are sharing experiences of Parkinson's on our Facebook page. Put yourself in their shoes.

What you can do to help

People with Parkinson's have told us their top 5 things that people can do to help.

Please be patient

It takes me longer to do things. Give me time - I'll get there.

Understand communicating can be difficult

If Parkinson's makes me unsteady, please don't assume I'm drunk.

A little understanding would make life a lot easier.

If I don't smile, I'm not being unfriendly - I just can't move my face. Talking isn't always easy, but if you listen carefully you'll hear me.

Please don't stare or make assumptions

It's upsetting if you stare or think the worst. If Parkinson's makes me unsteady, please don't assume I'm drunk.

If I'm not working it's because I can't. There is currently no cure and my symptoms will get worse.

Ask if you can help

I can tell you if I need your help. It might take me a while to speak, so please be patient. Don't try and move me if I freeze - I could fall over.

Take a little time to understand Parkinson's

Footprints - 'Take a small step to understanding Parkinson's'Parkinson's affects all kinds of people. Many are raising families, working or volunteering in spite of the obstacles they face. A little understanding would make life a lot easier.

More about Parkinson's and the information and support available

What else happened during Parkinson's Awareness Week?

In this section

What was the idea behind the campaign?

A person with Parkinson's told us how much he wished that people could put themselves in his shoes so they could understand what life is like.

See our Parkinson's Awareness Week FAQ to find out more.