Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40558612›Full record

ArticleGeriatrics (Basel, Switzerland)2025

'I Knew Nothing About Parkinson's': Insights into Receiving a Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease and the Impact of Self-Management, Self-Care, and Exercise Engagement, from People with Parkinson's and Family Members' Perspectives: Qualitative Study.

Leanne Ahern, Catriona Curtin, Suzanne Timmons, Sarah E Lamb, Ruth McCullagh

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Leanne AhernDiscipline of Physiotherapy, School of Clinical Therapies, University College Cork, T12 X70A Cork, Ireland.
Catriona CurtinCentre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, T12 FN70 Cork, Ireland.
Suzanne TimmonsCentre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, T12 FN70 Cork, Ireland.ORCID 0000-0001-7790-9552
Sarah E LambFaculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK.ORCID 0000-0003-4349-7195
Ruth McCullaghDiscipline of Physiotherapy, School of Clinical Therapies, University College Cork, T12 X70A Cork, Ireland.ORCID 0000-0002-6489-183X

Funding

Irish Research Council (EPSPG/2021/77)
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

This paper draws on stories of receiving the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, which emerged from a broader narrative study exploring beliefs about exercise and challenges facing people with Parkinson's disease. BACKGROUND/

objectivesBy interviewing people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) and their family members, this paper aimed to gain insights into PwPD's experiences with diagnosis, its influence on exercise engagement, and access to services in Ireland.

methodsThis study employed a qualitative research design, using purposeful and maximum variation sampling. PwPD (varying in age, sex, geographical setting, and disease severity) were recruited from urban physiotherapy services. Semi-structured interviews with 12 PwPD and a group interview with four family members were conducted between November 2022 and January 2023. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis.

resultsFour themes emerged: (1) firstly, there was disempowerment and emotional shock at diagnosis: PwPD expressed frustration with delays in diagnosis and with how language and empathy affected their ability to cope initially. (2) There was a lack of signposting and services access: a strong need exists for clear information on services and resources to prevent social disengagement. (3) In terms of exercise education and self-management support, PwPD lacked early exercise education and guidance, relying on self-education. (4) With regard to the emotional burden on family caregivers, family members manage care logistics and face emotional burdens, which they try to conceal.

conclusionsThe delivery of a Parkinson's diagnosis could be improved by recognising its psychosocial impact on PwPD and families. Providing clear information on services within weeks of diagnosis was considered crucial. Limited exercise education affected PwPD's ability to self-manage. Early physiotherapy access is strongly recommended to help delay functional decline and encourage an active lifestyle.

Indexed as

caregiver burdendiagnosishealth servicesParkinson’s diseasephysical activityphysiotherapyqualitative studyself-care

Identifiers

PMID40558612
PMCPMC12192598

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.