5 Black Celebrities with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most debilitating illnesses that millions are diagnosed with, including some Black celebrities whose notoriety helps to shine a light on the prognosis within the Black community.

As public knowledge about Parkinson’s has increased, recent studies have shown that Black people are at a particular disadvantage when it comes to treatment. 

Parkinson’s is an illness of the brain that severely impacts body movements, and although there is no cure, the disease can be managed with treatment.

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According to U.S. News & World Report, research shows that the underdiagnosis of Black people with Parkinson’s points to lower rates of the disease, however that underdiagnosis also indicates that Black people are less likely than whites to receive a Parkinson’s diagnosis and to receive specialist care.

Additionally, research also revealed that Black patients may be diagnosed at later stages of Parkinson’s compared to white people; their outcomes are more severe, and they also have higher rates of dementia, a lower health-related quality of life, and face a higher risk of death from the disease.

In celebration of World Parkinson’s Day (April 11th), here are 5 Black celebrities who had the disease.