Spring / Summer 2026 | Living with Parkinson’ s 5
Dr. Dolhun Talks PD
Pushing Back on Parkinson’ s Stigma
By Rachel Dolhun, MD, DipABLM
Rachel Dolhun, MD, DipABLM, is a movement disorder specialist, lifestyle medicine physician and principal medical advisor at MJFF.
PARKINSON’ S CAN AFFECT movement, speech, mood, thinking and more. Along with these symptoms, many people may also face stigma— an added layer of complexity that can shape daily life in subtle but real ways.
Stigmas are rooted in negative or unfair beliefs and generalizations. A tremor may draw stares. A pause in speech may be misread. Reduced facial expression can be mistaken for disinterest or sadness. These assumptions can influence social interactions and confidence, and they lead to widespread misperceptions about Parkinson’ s.
There is also self-stigma. Some may unintentionally begin to shift how they see themselves: I don’ t want people to notice I’ m not the same as I once was. Families can absorb this stigma too, becoming overly protective or speaking for a loved one. Over time, stigma— from others or from within— may make it easier to withdraw from routines, relationships and opportunities.
Pushing back on stigma begins with openness. Michael J. Fox’ s recent return to acting on the Apple TV series Shrinking presented a visible counterpoint to common assumptions. By appearing on-screen with Parkinson’ s, Michael challenged the idea that a diagnosis means stepping back from meaningful activities. But public figures aren’ t the only people who can push back on stigma: It happens every day through acts of vulnerability and perseverance.