Delivering the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease- setting the stage with hope and compassion

•Delivery of PD diagnosis is a pivotal moment in the patient's life.•Communication strategies can improve how the diagnosis is received.•Making a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease can be complex due to difficulties with diagnostic accuracy and lack of adequate subspecialists trained in movement disorders.•Challenges in accepting the diagnosis, stigma, and an uncertain future can have an adverse impact on quality of life.