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

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 2 January 2020

Parkinson's LifePrep: Parkinson's LifeCook: Parkinson's LifeServes:

Misdiagnosis

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.


Read more:

Queen Elizabeth II honours UK university for Parkinson’s research

Can overuse of antibiotics cause Parkinson’s?

Go Back

Share this story

Comments


Related articles


A rear view of Dr Indu Subramanian doing a yoga pose in a sunny field

Health & Fitness

Mobility, mindfulness and mood: exploring the potential benefits of yoga

Dr Indu Subramanian on a “holistic” approach to Parkinson’s disease

READ MORE

Special reports

Are we too focused on the search for a Parkinson’s cure?

We ask Parkinson’s experts for their views on this controversial debate

READ MORE

Europe

Innovative treatment for late stage Parkinson’s disease could be launched in Europe

The therapy has been acquired by pharmaceutical company STADA

READ MORE