Stigma and social symptoms in Parkinson's disease: A scoping review

The incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) is increasing more rapidly than any other neurodegenerative disorder. Motor and non-motor symptoms, and deficits in cognition and communication, negatively impact people with PD's social functioning and can result in enacted and felt stigma. The aim of this scoping review is to explore the determinants and effects of stigma in PD.

This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Quantitative and qualitative studies from January 2000 to April 2026 focusing on stigma in PD were considered for inclusion. Databases included Medline via OVID, PsychInfo and Scopus.

From 334 screened articles, 25 papers were finally included. Most papers found depression to be a determinant of enacted and felt stigma. Some papers found motor symptoms, younger age, difficulty with activities of daily living, and severe PD to be predictive of stigma. Facial masking, abnormal bodily movement, and speech impairment were linked to felt stigma and to stigmatising attitudes from the general public and clinical practitioners alike.

Stigmatising views have damaging consequences for people with PD. Negative outcomes of stigma include greater difficulties in the social and emotional spheres, and social avoidance and isolation. More awareness and education for the public, but also healthcare providers, are needed to address negative attitudes and bias towards people with PD. There needs to be more research into interventions to reduce felt stigma, such as psychological training or peer support.