Study highlights lack of research for the LGBTQ+ Parkinson’s community

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Author: Saskia MairPublished: 1 July 2021

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A clinician speaks to a patient in a sunny room.

Research for LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and otherwise identifying) people with Parkinson’s disease remains “remarkably scant”, according to a new US study published in the journal ‘Parkinsonism & Related Disorders’.

The article, ‘Expanding Sexual and Gender Minority Research in Movement Disorders: More Than Awareness and Acceptance’ highlights some of the challenges facing people in the LGBTQ+ Parkinson’s community – including discrimination in healthcare, a lack of recorded data around gender identity and the need for best practice guidelines and inclusive support groups.

Dr Chi-Ying Roy Lin, the first author of the study, said: “I have had patients who are reluctant to reveal their identity because of fear they will get denied healthcare.”

In the study, he wrote: “We need to create a safe environment in healthcare institutions to disclose sexual orientation and gender identity to better impact care and access to resources.”

Find out more about the study on research and the LGBTQ+ Parkinson’s community.

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s disease research, please visit Parkinson’s Europe website.

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Study highlights lack of research for the LGBTQ+ Parkinson’s community

News

Author: Saskia MairPublished: 1 July 2021

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Study highlights lack of research for the LGBTQ+ Parkinson’s community

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Author: Saskia MairPublished: 1 July 2021

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