Over a quarter of people living with Parkinson’s were initially misdiagnosed, study finds

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 2 January 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

More than a quarter of people living with Parkinson’s were initially misdiagnosed, according to new research from charity Parkinson’s UK.

As part of the study, 2,000 people with Parkinson’s were asked a series of questions about their diagnosis. According to results, 26% of the participants were originally told they did not have Parkinson’s – with almost half of them being treated for a different condition.

The poll also found that women were more likely to be misdiagnosed than men.

Katie Goates, professional engagement manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “One of the biggest challenges for Parkinson’s research is that there is no definitive test for Parkinson’s, and as a result we’ve heard of people being misdiagnosed with anything from a frozen shoulder or anxiety to a stroke.

“Our survey has shown that because of this people are being left in limbo and seeing their health deteriorate, which is unacceptable.”

To read more on this topic click here.

Can overuse of antibiotics cause Parkinson’s?

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Women and Parkinson's

Women and Parkinson’s: menstruation, medication and motherhood

Our podcast shines a light on how women experience the condition

Emma Lawton on her new “bucket list” project

We spoke to Parkinson’s activist Emma Lawton

WPC Scientific Update 2015: the low-down on latest advances

Webcast gives free access to pioneering Parkinson's science

Is dry eye disease common in people with Parkinson’s?

Dry eye disease can involve symptoms such as a lower blinking rate and typically occurs when the eyes are not effectively moistened by tears – leading to discomfort and possible vision loss. Now, a recent study from Japan has investigated the previously underexplored relationship between dry eye disease and Parkinson’s. As part of their research, the team analysed 13 studies published between 2004 and 2022, which involved more than 1,500 people with Parkinson’s. Five of the reports highlighted the prevalence of dry eye disease in people with the condition – with 61% experiencing symptoms. “Our findings emphasize the need for clinicians to be vigilant of the presence of dry eye disease when managing [people with Parkinson’s],” the researchers wrote. However, they noted that more research is needed – especially “future large-scale studies” – to help understand the relationship between dry eye disease and the condition.

Highlighting dental care needs among people with Parkinson’s disease

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, have published a new study looking into dental care among people with Parkinson’s. Using a national register to obtain data relating to dental care between 2015 and 2019, the team identified 6,874 people with Parkinson’s, whose data was then compared to a control group of 34,285 people without the condition. A key takeaway from the five-year study was that a larger portion of people with Parkinson’s were not regular users of the dental care system – 21%, compared to 16.9% in the control group. The findings published in the journal ‘Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology’ also revealed that people with Parkinson’s utilised more dental-related treatment services than those in the control group – such as fillings and extractions. The researchers concluded: “This knowledge can be used by clinicians and decision-makers to ensure the optimal dental care for persons with Parkinson’s.”

Could risk factors for Parkinson’s disease be “largely man-made”?

New research has highlighted evidence of a potential link between Parkinson’s risk and exposure to toxic environmental factors – including air pollutants and human-made materials. The research was presented at the 147th Annual Meeting of the American Neurological Association in Chicago, US, as part of a symposium on neurological disorders. The evidence included a study that highlighted that exposure to toxic pollutants may activate genes associated with the condition and that current environmental policies fail to consider the potential long-term effects of neurotoxic chemicals. “The world’s fastest-growing brain disease is largely man-made,” said neurologist Dr Ray Dorsey, one of the symposium speakers, in a press release. “The principal causes are toxic exposures to chemicals synthesised in the labs of chemical companies.” Calling for greater awareness surrounding the issue, he said: “If we educate the communities we’re supposed to serve, we can have them be mobilised and change the course of…

All fields required

First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Country of residence*
About me*
- I have Parkinson's disease
- I am a partner / carer / family / friend of someone who has Parkinson's
- I am a healthcare professional with an interest in Parkinson's
- I work for a Parkinson's disease organisation
- Other
CAPTCHA
*
- By proceeding you agree to our
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Over a quarter of people living with Parkinson’s were initially misdiagnosed, study finds

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 2 January 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Women and Parkinson's

Women and Parkinson’s: menstruation, medication and motherhood

Interviews

Emma Lawton on her new “bucket list” project

Global update

WPC Scientific Update 2015: the low-down on latest advances

Is dry eye disease common in people with Parkinson’s?

Highlighting dental care needs among people with Parkinson’s disease

Could risk factors for Parkinson’s disease be “largely man-made”?

{title}

Subscribe

Over a quarter of people living with Parkinson’s were initially misdiagnosed, study finds

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 2 January 2020

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Women and Parkinson's

Women and Parkinson’s: menstruation, medication and motherhood

Interviews

Emma Lawton on her new “bucket list” project

Global update

WPC Scientific Update 2015: the low-down on latest advances

Is dry eye disease common in people with Parkinson’s?

Highlighting dental care needs among people with Parkinson’s disease

Could risk factors for Parkinson’s disease be “largely man-made”?

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in