Despite being trained on the clinical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, Dr Acheson was caught off guard by his diagnosis and living with the condition is an experience no medical textbooks could prepare him for.

He has written a new book, called When Your Neurons Dance, to bridge the gap between pathology and lived experience, and offer real insight into living with Parkinson’s – including ways to improve quality of life.

He shares: “As a doctor, I thought I understood Parkinson’s. I could describe the pathology, the symptoms, and the treatments. But living with it has taught me that understanding a condition goes far beyond the clinical. It’s about empathy, adaptation, and connection.”

Adapting to a new reality

The diagnosis was a seismic event for Dr Acheson, challenging not only his professional identity but also his personal sense of self.

“Everything changed in an instant the day I was diagnosed, and yet for a long time it felt as though nothing had,” he explains. “It was a period of metamorphosis. I was no longer who I was before but hadn’t yet discovered how to embrace who I am now.”

Initially, he struggled with the fear that came with the diagnosis, and recalls: “Uncertainty became the new norm. It felt as though the ground beneath my feet had turned to sinking sand.”

But over time, with the support of his family, friends, and faith, he began to adapt. With this experience, Dr Acheson emphasizes the importance of patience in the process of adaptation: “Progress often happens without awareness until one day the cumulative effects of silent adaptation in multiple increments become noticeable. Roots must first be established before a shoot can sprout. It’s important to be patient and trust in the process.”

Finding connections

One of the most transformative aspects of experience has been connecting with others who are living with Parkinson’s.

This took some time to realise, however, as Dr Acheson was initially hesitant to engage with support groups. He admits: “I avoided others with Parkinson’s because I was afraid of staring into the looking glass. But I came to realise that by avoiding them, I was robbing myself of the valuable insight they could provide.”

Dr Acheson is now an active participant in the Parkinson’s community, both online and offline. He co-founded the NHS Professionals Living and Working with Parkinson’s Group, which provides support to healthcare professionals navigating the challenges of working with the condition.

He also uses his creative talents to raise awareness and foster understanding. Through his artwork and short films, he shares his experiences and educates others about Parkinson’s.

Advice for others

In his book, Dr Acheson offers advice for others facing a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

He urges acceptance, but not passivity, and says: “The first step in adapting is to seek wisdom to separate the questions you can find answers to from those that will remain cloaked in mystery. Conserve your energy for endeavours that yield profit rather than frustration.

“I didn’t choose Parkinson’s, but I could choose to release the pause button it had pressed on my life. It’s about finding the first step forward, even when the path ahead is unclear.”

He also stresses the importance of embracing vulnerability and seeking support: “Decisions to be open and public about your diagnosis are profoundly personal, but I’ve found that sharing my story has lifted a burden off my shoulders and increased my support network. It’s hard because it entails accepting some degree of vulnerability, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges.”

A new perspective

In this new period of his life, Dr Acheson feels he has gained a deeper understanding of the human side of medicine.

His story is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the power of connection. As he continues to navigate life with Parkinson’s, Dr Acheson remains committed to his work, his family and his advocacy for the Parkinson’s community: “Ultimately, I’ve found a way to give back, despite a condition that always takes away.”

For those living with Parkinson’s, his message is: “You are not alone. There is strength in connection, hope in adaptation, and possibility in the ordinary.”