Bob Hoskins's diagnosis is a reminder of how little we know about Parkinson's

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/aug/10/bob-hoskins-parkinsons-diagnosis


'It is important we don't let the experience of people like Bob Hoskins, Muhammad Ali, and of course my dear dad, go to waste.' Photograph: Rex Features

Like many others, I was saddened to hear that the wonderful actor Bob Hoskins has announced his retirement having become one of the 127,000 people diagnosed with Parkinson's in the UK. This decision, although no doubt presumably devastating for Bob, has raised some important questions about just how much we think we know about Parkinson's.

Often seen as the Cinderella of brain conditions, Parkinson's has had something of a renaissance in the media over recent weeks. I've been gripped by the Olympics. I've watched hours and hours of coverage – but I found it very hard to watch Muhammad Ali at the opening ceremony, his Parkinson's so painfully evident.

Reports also surfaced yesterday of a man with Parkinson's at the Olympics. He had been arrested because the police, among other factors, allegedly believed his lack of facial expression – a common symptom of the condition – was suspicious.

These reports have helped Parkinson's to leap into the public consciousness, but have they really helped to shine a brighter light on, and reshape our understanding of the condition?