Projecting Parkinson’s disease burden

Parkinson’s disease is a considerable health problem owing to its high and rising global prevalence, its progressively degenerative nature, and its wide range of symptoms. In 2019 more than 8.5 million people worldwide were living with Parkinson’s disease, a number that has more than doubled in the past 25 years.1 Parkinson’s disease has a severe impact on individuals and their families, including social consequences and economic costs.2 Tackling this complex disease requires a multifactorial approach including increased awareness, improved diagnostics, better treatments, and ongoing research to find a cure.

Projecting the future number of people with Parkinson’s disease is important for several reasons. Accurate projections enable appropriate allocation of healthcare resources and a better understanding of demand for specialists, drug treatments, rehabilitation, and long term care, preventing shortages that could lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment choices, and diminished health related quality of life for patients. Projections also inform targeted interventions, early diagnosis efforts, and public health prevention and management strategies. Understanding the growing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease underscores the need for continued research into its causes, treatments, and …