Here’s a Primer on Common Parkinson’s Terms and Abbreviations – Parkinson’s News Today

When you are new to something, its common to feel disconnected or out of place especially when it comes to understanding the language. At church, newcomers may hear words that dont make any sense. Churchy people (including me) tend to throw around big words.

It also occurs with abbreviations. Ive seen it happen in the Parkinsons community. It isnt intentional, but it happens. Someone might read a post with the abbreviation PWP and ask, What is PWP? Some might even add an apology of sorts: Sorry, Im not very smart.

Following is a list of common words and definitions that may be unfamiliar to a Parkinsons newbie:

Did you know all those words and their meanings when Parkinsons first arrived at your door? I know I felt out of place when someone would use dyskinesia to describe actor Michael J. Foxs symptoms. It can be awkward when you dont know.

The same is true when we throw around abbreviations such as:

Those may seem second nature to us, but not to someone who was just diagnosed.

The same holds true for the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), Parkinsons Foundation (PF), and more. We tend to abbreviate them, forgetting that the majority of people dont know what Parkinsons disease is, let alone the abbreviations of its foundational and organizational names.

We dont need to dumb things down, we just need to keep them simple. Starting with the PWP who might be considering DBS as suggested by an MDS and are searching for information from the MJFF to help them understand.

Thats all.

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Note: Parkinsons News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinsons News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinsons disease.

Sherri was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinsons disease over fifteen years ago. She can be found working in her garden, going for walks, taking pictures, or reading books to her three favorite grandkids. Taking life somewhat slower, and perhaps with guarded steps, but shes not giving in.

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Here's a Primer on Common Parkinson's Terms and Abbreviations - Parkinson's News Today