Visit michaeljfox. org / ask-the-md to learn more about living well with Parkinson’ s and recent Parkinson’ s research topics.
6 Fox Focus | Living with Parkinson’ s
Here are some practical ways to reduce stigma by increasing awareness and challenging assumptions:
Share your story on your own terms. A brief explanation—“ I have Parkinson’ s. It affects my movement and voice, but I’ m doing well.”— can replace confusion with clarity. Care partners can reinforce this message and redirect misconceptions. Even small moments of openness can build understanding.
Protect roles and voice. Continue participating in family decisions, finances, parenting, social plans and work projects as able. Families should speak directly to— not for or about— their loved one and allow them time to respond.
Adapt without apology. Using a cane or walker, leveraging technology or adjusting your schedule can enable continued engagement in daily life. When these supports are treated as practical tools, rather than something to hide, they reinforce independence and confidence.
Stay engaged. Go to work, volunteer, exercise, gather with friends and pursue hobbies in ways that fit your life and symptoms. Participation counters the pull to step back and reinforces your ongoing value at home, at work and in your community. Connecting with others living with Parkinson’ s reduces isolation, builds resilience and replaces stereotypes with real experiences.
Find Your Community in the Parkinson’ s Buddy Network
Stigma may be part of living with PD, but staying engaged, speaking openly and supporting one another can reduce its impact. Join the Parkinson’ s Buddy Network to learn how others are pushing back against stigma at michaeljfox. org / parkinsons-buddy-network.
Visit michaeljfox. org / ask-the-md to learn more about living well with Parkinson’ s and recent Parkinson’ s research topics.
The medical information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’ s Research has a policy of refraining from advocating, endorsing or promoting any drug therapy, course of treatment, or specific company or institution. It is crucial that care and treatment decisions related to Parkinson’ s disease and any other medical condition be made in consultation with a physician or other qualified medical professional.