91% of people with Parkinson’s in Northern Ireland feel harassed and discriminated against.
New figures released on (11 April) by the charity Parkinson’s UK Northern Ireland reveal for the first time the shocking lack of public awareness around Parkinson’s and its symptoms despite it being the second most prevalent neuro-degenerative condition after Alzheimer’s.
In a survey, launched to mark World Parkinson’s Day (11 April), 91% of people living with Parkinson’s in Northern Ireland said they’d had negative experiences as a result of people not understanding their symptoms including being laughed at, accusations people assuming they are drunk or unfriendly due to movement problems caused by their Parkinson’s, and even being disbelieved when they’ve revealed their diagnosis.
Key figures for Northern Ireland showed:
- Over half (56%) have said that people don’t believe they have Parkinson’s
- Over a fifth (22%) said their less expressive facial expressions – an effect of the condition – had been misinterpreted as being unfriendly
- Almost a fifth (17%) said that their imbalance or slurred speech had been misinterpreted as drunkenness
- Over a quarter (26%) had been told they were ‘too young’ to have Parkinson’s
- Half (51%) had been told that they ‘don’t look ill’
- Over a quarter (27%) have felt or been judged for using a disabled parking space or toilet
The findings from Parkinson’s UK Northern Ireland also highlight the huge toll that public reactions can have on those living with the condition everyday – with 57% cancelling or avoiding social situations due to the negative impact of public perceptions.
Today on World Parkinson’s Day (11 April 2019) the charity is launching Parkinson’s Is, a campaign to show the reality of life with Parkinson’s.
Nicola Moore, Parkinson’s UK Northern Ireland Director said: “People don’t fully understand what Parkinson’s is or how it affects people. The public doesn’t think that Parkinson’s is a serious condition. And people with Parkinson’s have told us that they don’t feel understood. The Parkinson’s Is campaign aims to change that.”
“We need everyone to recognise Parkinson’s as the serious health condition it is, and the major impact it has on everyday life so that people with Parkinson’s do not continue to experience such appalling misunderstanding of their symptoms. We also want to show how, despite their symptoms, people with Parkinson’s don’t let the condition hold them back from achieving the most incredible things.”
Everyone in Northern Ireland has a role to play in developing understanding and positive public attitudes towards people affected by Parkinson’s and I urge everyone to visit our website to engage with our campaign Parkinson’s Is.
Parkinson’s UK has today launched its Parkinson’s Is campaign, which highlights how the condition is far more than just a tremor, and the often-brutal reality of living with it. Find out more at: www.parkinsons.org.uk/parkinsons-is
About Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s UK Northern Ireland:
- Every hour, two people in the UK are told they have Parkinson’s
- 3716 people are diagnosed with the condition in Northern Ireland
- More than 470 people will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s in Northern Ireland this year – about 9 people every week.
- Parkinson’s is a serious degenerative neurological condition which can happen at any age and has a major impact on everyday life. It develops when cells in the brain stop working properly and are lost over time
- Parkinson’s UK Northern Ireland is part of Parkinson’s UK the UK’s leading charity supporting those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s through pioneering research, information, support and campaigning
- For advice, information and support, visit www.parkinsons.org.uk or call Parkinson’s UK’s free, confidential, helpline on 0808 800 0303.
