Misconceptions of PD

The younger generation has brought Young Onset to light through social media. There have been misconceptions that Parkinson's disease is the "old man's disease," which is entirely false, misleading, and wrong. Young-onset is a reality; more voices are reaching borders and breaking leaps and bounds worldwide. Technology has changed how we think, view messages, learn stories, and break barriers to advocacy. Every one of us has a story, but in 2024, we can share it instantly, reaching far beyond any conception of the meaning of social media that could have ever been predicted.

The downside of social media

Many rely on social media to earn a living. Those in the Parkinson's community can stream live on multiple sources to gain followers, advertise, and get support to pay for their medications. Sadly, the same social media sites that can help us can also hurt us. Some receive rude and unprofessional responses; others question the purpose of a post, and at times, that may have us second-thinking that post we just sent moments ago.

In one scenario, an individual who inspires me daily was banned on TikTok because a few people reported that she was drunk or on drugs when, in fact, she had Parkinson's tremors, and the fight began to have her reinstated. Thankfully, she was, but everyone's voice in the Parkinson's community matters. These all too often social media trolls, misconceptions, or just lack of awareness of Parkinson's has its pitfalls. The good news is we can fight them, advocate, and join in bringing attention to the negatives and flipping them into positive lessons.

 

George Ackerman, PhD from Brooklyn, NY, now in Florida, lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, due to the progression of  Parkinson's Disease on 1/1/2020. To honor her, he began TogetherForSharon® to spread awareness. Today, https://www.togetherforsharon.com/ reaches many, where George interviews people from the Parkinson's community.