Chapter 6 168 experiences. Women mentioned a call towards challenging the stereotypical image of ‘the person with Parkinson’ due to its strong gendered association with ‘an old man’s disease’ and the need to move beyond the stereotype for a more accurate representation of the diversity of people who have the disease. Figure 4. Word-Concept Association: Care for men with Parkinson’s disease Phase 3: Collective insight statements and care research recommendations Results of the small group discussion among men revealed an eminent focus of gendersensitive PD care for the psychosocial experiences of men with PD related to their self-image, self-confidence, and self-reliance. This includes attention to personality and cognitive changes. Men stressed the relatively strong focus on monitoring and treating the physical aspects of Parkinson’s but the lack of attention to emotional well-being, particularly in the period after diagnosis, and coping with increased emotionality and mood disturbances. Additionally, changes in sexual experiences, both physically and emotionally, require more attention. Preferably these topics are discussed initially in their direct or relevant social environment with partners and close friends, but men stated the importance to address these topics in clinical practice as well. The small group discussions among women identified a need for gender-sensitive PD care with more attention towards emotional well-being of women with PD and a focus on (re)enforcing self-agency and equivalence in the patient-physician relationship. Women stressed the importance of attention to women in different life stages (related to age) and life situations (e.g., active (single) parenting role, caregiver for partner,
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