PD UK survey

Many people with Parkinson’s are too afraid to reveal their diagnosis – and it’s having a devastating impact on their emotional health, say campaigners


Almost 40% of people with Parkinson’s disease feel the need to hide their symptoms or lie about having the condition, according to a survey by a leading Parkinson’s charity.

The research suggests those who try to hide their condition believe the symptoms are not socially acceptable and that people may feel awkward or embarrassed around them.

Released to mark the start of Parkinson’s Awareness Week, the Parkinson’s UK survey reveals an alarming level of fear around sharing a diagnosis. This stigma is denying people vital support at a time when many struggle emotionally to come to terms with their condition.

The disease affects 127,000 people in the UK – about one in 500 of the population. Based on the survey’s findings, the charity estimates that 47,000 people in the country have hidden their symptoms.