Many Germans are insufficiently aware of Parkinson’s disease. This is shown by the first Parkinson’s Awareness Monitor, a representative survey of 1,000 people. Although the willingness for early detection is high, knowledge about the disease and its early signs remains incomplete. The study was commissioned by the biotech company MODAG and will be published on World Parkinson’s Day on April 11.

Only 57.9 percent of those surveyed correctly classify Parkinson’s as a chronic disease of the central nervous system. More than four out of ten are wrong: 23.8 percent consider it a degenerative disorder of the musculoskeletal system, others a mental or circulatory disease.

The classic picture dominates the symptoms: 80.8 percent cite tremors and stiffness of movement. On the other hand, only a few people are aware of the often decisive early warning signs: Only 12.5 percent mention the gradual loss of the sense of smell, sleep disorders 11.1 percent and chronic digestive problems 9.6 percent. These non-motor symptoms can occur years before the movement disorders.

There are also clear errors in the diagnosis. Only 29.5 percent know that confirming the diagnosis is often a process that takes years. 38.4 percent mistakenly believe that a simple test by a family doctor or geneticist is already possible today. Only 19.2 percent feel confident that they will recognize the first signs in themselves or relatives in time.

The willingness to detect early, on the other hand, is high: 40 percent would have a safe test carried out immediately, another 44.2 percent after consulting a doctor. 72.7 percent are convinced that early diagnosis can have a positive influence on the course of the disease. At the same time, almost half (49.6 percent) feel poorly informed or not at all informed by the media and information campaigns.

For 64.5 percent, the biggest concern about a possible diagnosis is the loss of independence in everyday life. 39.1 percent fear a lack of therapy options, 24 percent are afraid of social stigmatization.

The survey results show a clear gap in education: While tremors are known as a symptom, early non-motor warning signs remain largely unknown. As a result, those affected often come to the doctor too late. The results should help to correct the public image of Parkinson’s disease and improve early detection.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.