Parkinson’s disease (PD) is often misunderstood. For many people living with it, movies, TV shows, and even commercials don’t always help.

On MyParkinsonsTeam, members sometimes discuss how Parkinson’s is portrayed in the media. Some are glad to see any visibility at all. Others feel frustrated by what’s missing, oversimplified, or just plain wrong.

We looked at conversations like this one, titled “How do you feel about the way Parkinson’s is portrayed in TV shows or movies?” to learn what members noticed most. Here are six common themes about what the media gets right and wrong about Parkinson’s.

🗳️ Have you seen accurate portrayals of life with Parkinson’s on TV or in movies?

Yes, several.

Yes, one or two.

No, I haven’t seen any accurate portrayals.

Thanks! You've successfully submitted your vote.

Sign up to view the results!

Continue with Facebook

Continue with Google

Continue with Email

By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.

Already a member? Log In

One of the most common frustrations is that the media focuses almost entirely on shaking.

Members say this narrow portrayal misses the bigger picture. Parkinson’s can affect movement, mood, thinking, sleep, digestion, and more. Many symptoms are invisible.

Several MyParkinsonsTeam members emphasized how limiting this stereotype can feel. As one member put it, “It’s not just about tremors!!!”

Another shared that “Parkinson’s is more than tremors. It’s a complex disease that affects the whole body.”

“Parkinson’s is more than tremors. It’s a complex disease that affects the whole body.”

— A MyParkinsonsTeam member

When the media focuses only on what people can see, it can leave others unaware of daily challenges such as fatigue, pain, or cognitive changes (problems with memory, thinking, or problem-solving).

There’s no single way Parkinson’s looks or feels. Symptoms, progression, and daily impact can vary widely from person to person.

Members say this variability is rarely shown on screen.

“I feel Parkinson’s is portrayed as being the same for all its victims … but every day is a fight, a new variable, often physically and emotionally,” one member shared.

Because of this, some people feel misunderstood when others expect them to match what they’ve seen in movies. For example, people without tremors are sometimes told they “don’t look like” they have Parkinson’s.

More varied portrayals could help the public understand that Parkinson’s doesn’t follow a single script.

Many members pointed out something even more basic: Parkinson’s just doesn’t show up much in the media.

Even people who watch a lot of TV and movies say they rarely see it represented.

One member wrote, “I really don’t see Parkinson’s in movies, etc., at all.”

Another shared, “I have never seen a film in which PD was portrayed.”

This lack of visibility can make people feel overlooked. Some members compared it to other conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease, which they feel gets far more attention in storytelling.

At the same time, many said that even imperfect representation is better than none — if it raises awareness.

When Parkinson’s does appear in the media, members often feel it doesn’t reflect reality.

Sometimes it’s portrayed as too mild or overly positive. Other times, it’s exaggerated or sensationalized, especially in ads.

One member said, “Parkinson’s is almost always portrayed incorrectly on TV and in movies.”

“Parkinson’s is almost always portrayed incorrectly on TV and in movies.”

— A MyParkinsonsTeam member

Another added, “They never show how terribly SERIOUS it is!”

Others feel portrayals can be misleading in subtle ways, like suggesting there’s a simple test for diagnosis or that symptoms are the same for everyone.

These inaccuracies can shape how friends, coworkers, and even strangers understand the condition. Misunderstandings can affect how people with Parkinson’s are treated or supported in real life.

Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed. It also deeply affects partners, family members, and caregivers.

Members say this side of the story is rarely shown.

One MyParkinsonsTeam member wrote, “We also need films and shows that demonstrate how Parkinson’s impacts the family and caregivers.”

“We also need films and shows that demonstrate how Parkinson’s impacts the family and caregivers.”

— A MyParkinsonsTeam member

Another shared, “I wish they would portray how hard it is … on the loved one/caretaker.”

Some caregivers described intense, emotional experiences that feel far from anything they’ve seen on screen. One member wrote, “This is my TV show!” while describing daily life caring for a spouse.

Showing these realities could help others better understand the full impact of Parkinson’s and the support families need.

Despite these concerns, members also shared examples they appreciate.

Shows like “Shrinking” and documentaries like “Still” (about Michael J. Fox) are often mentioned as steps in the right direction.

One MyParkinsonsTeam member said, “‘Shrinking’ … does a pretty good job of accurately portraying Parkinson’s on a surface level.”

Another commended Harrison Ford for his accurate portrayal of a therapist diagnosed with Parkinson’s in “Shrinking”: “He’s so good at portraying a person with PD … with wit, compassion, and empathy.”

Many also appreciate when real people with Parkinson’s are involved in storytelling. Their involvement adds authenticity and helps make the portrayal feel more true to life.

As one member put it, “I feel we need all the publicity we can get, so any portrayal … is a benefit.”

These examples show that media portrayals can have a positive effect, especially when they reflect the experiences of people living with Parkinson’s.

Join the Conversation

On MyParkinsonsTeam, people share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

How do you feel about the way Parkinson’s is portrayed in movies, TV, or ads? Let others know in the comments below.