02/04/2026
It's Parkinson’s Awareness Month! 💙
To help spread awareness for our community, we’ve put together a little "Fact vs. Fiction" challenge. Parkinson’s is a complex condition, and misconceptions can often make the journey harder for families and caregivers.
Take a look at the images below—can you spot which statements are Facts and which are Fiction? Scroll down for the answers to see how many you got right!
The Answers: Fact vs. Fiction:
1. Tremors are a common sign that someone may have Parkinson’s.
✅ FACT: While not everyone with Parkinson’s has a tremor, it is one of the most well-known and common early signs.
2. Parkinson’s is caused when the cells that make dopamine are lost.
âś… FACT: The motor symptoms of Parkinson's appear because the brain loses the nerve cells responsible for producing dopamine, a chemical that helps coordinate movement.
3. Everyone will experience Parkinson’s in the same way.
❌ FICTION: Parkinson's is highly individual. "If you've met one person with Parkinson’s, you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s." Symptoms, progression, and even how medications work vary from person to person.
4. Parkinson’s can only be inherited genetically.
❌ FICTION: While genetics play a role in about 10-15% of cases, most people diagnosed have no family history. Scientists believe it’s usually a combination of genetics, environment, and lifestyle.
5. Exercise has no impact on Parkinson’s disease.
❌ FICTION: Exercise is actually one of the most powerful tools available! It can improve balance, mobility, and mood, and some research suggests it may even help slow the progression of symptoms.
6. Severe fatigue is not a common movement symptom of Parkinson’s.
⚠️ TRICK QUESTION! Fatigue is a very common symptom of Parkinson's, but it is technically classified as a non-motor (non-movement) symptom, even though it makes moving feel much harder!
How many did you get right? Let us know in the comments!
