Parkinson’s disease statistics
Reviewed by Parkinson’s disease is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. It affects an estimated 11.77 million people worldwide.
The condition becomes much more common with advancing age, and global cases are projected to rise as populations age. This article provides key Parkinson’s disease statistics, including how many people have Parkinson’s in different regions and age groups.
Parkinson’s disease prevalence worldwide
Parkinson’s disease affects approximately 1% of people older than 60 and is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder in the world.
Many Parkinson’s disease statistics come from population-based studies that examine large groups of people to estimate how common Parkinson’s is and identify differences in rates by factors such as age, biological sex, and geographic location.
Prevalence and incidence are two terms commonly used when discussing population-based studies of Parkinson’s disease:
- Prevalence: The proportion of people living with a particular disease during a given time period
- Incidence: The rate of new cases of a particular disease within a population during a given time
In 2021, the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease worldwide was estimated at 138.63 people per 100,000, or about 11.77 million people. The global Parkinson’s incidence rate in that year was 15.63 cases per 100,000, corresponding to about 1.34 million new cases.
Parkinson’s statistics in the US, Canada, and UK
In the United States:
- An estimated 1.1 million people are living with Parkinson’s disease
- 90,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every year
- The number of people living with Parkinson’s disease is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030
Around 166,000 people in the United Kingdom live with Parkinson’s disease. In Canada, the figure exceeds 120,000.
Parkinson’s statistics in China and India
China and India consistently rank among the top three countries for both the prevalence and incidence of Parkinson’s disease.
- An estimated 5.08 million people were living with Parkinson’s disease in 2021
- Approximately 508,400 new cases of Parkinson’s occurred in 2021
In India, an estimated 576,000 people are living with Parkinson’s, according to the country’s most recent data.
Parkinson’s demographics: Age, sex, and risks
Parkinson’s disease can affect anyone, but certain factors, such as age and biological sex, can increase a person’s likelihood of developing the condition.
Age distribution
Older age is the greatest risk factor for Parkinson’s disease.
Rates rise significantly among people older than 50, with a rapid increase in cases between ages 60 and 89.
Due to an aging global population, the number of people living with Parkinson’s disease is expected to double by 2040.
Sex disparities
Parkinson’s disease is more common in men than women across almost all age groups. Of the 11.77 million people in the world living with Parkinson’s in 2021, about 6.44 million were men, and 5.33 million were women.
Men and women may experience different Parkinson’s symptoms, disease progression, and response to treatment. More research is needed to fully understand why these differences occur.
Geographic location
Parkinson’s disease may be more common among people who live in certain geographical areas.
In the United States, rates of Parkinson’s are higher in:
- Southern California
- Southeastern Texas
- Central Pennsylvania
- Florida
- The Rust Belt, which includes parts of the northwest and the Midwest
The reasons for geographical differences aren’t fully understood, but regional demographics and exposure to substances such as pesticides and industrial toxins may contribute.
Young-onset Parkinson’s disease statistics
Though Parkinson’s disease is more common in older adults, approximately 4% of people with the condition develop symptoms before the age of 50. This is called young- or early-onset Parkinson’s disease.
Genetics may play a larger role in the development of early-onset Parkinson’s than in Parkinson’s that develops in older adults, especially if there is a family history of the disease. About 32% of people who develop Parkinson’s between the ages of 20 and 30 have a genetic mutation that increases the risk of the condition.
Impact on caregiving, quality of life, and mortality
Parkinson’s disease can significantly impact the quality of life for both people with the condition and their caregivers. Its effects can extend beyond physical symptoms to affect emotional well-being, social relationships, and financial health.
Quality of life
People with Parkinson’s disease report a lower quality of life than those without the condition, especially in mental health and physical abilities.
Both the effects of Parkinson’s itself and the stress of living with a chronic condition can affect mental health:
- 50% of people living with Parkinson’s disease experience depression
- 40% of people living with Parkinson’s experience anxiety
- Some studies show that up to 64.6% of people living with Parkinson’s disease experience loneliness
Motor and nonmotor symptoms can significantly interfere with independence and everyday activities. A 2025 study found that 49% of people with early-stage Parkinson’s needed help with at least one daily activity within an average of five years. More than 50% of people with Parkinson’s report that nonmotor symptoms interfere with everyday tasks, such as household chores, running errands, dining out, and socializing. Consequently, people with Parkinson’s leave the workforce an average of 5 years earlier than their peers.
Managing and treating Parkinson’s can carry a heavy financial toll, and financial stress can further reduce quality of life. Key economic costs associated with Parkinson’s disease in the U.S.:
- Medications, which cost an average of $2,500 a year
- Therapeutic surgery, which can cost up to $100,000 per person
- The combined direct and indirect cost of Parkinson’s, which includes treatment, Social Security payments, and lost income, which totaled $82.2 billion in 2024
Caregiver burden
Parkinson’s disease also presents significant challenges for care partners.
In 2020, around 53 million Americans served as unpaid caregivers for a loved one. Of these, about 2% were caring for someone with Parkinson’s. The burden of caregiving was significantly higher in Parkinson’s disease compared with other disorders, with 25% reporting the highest level of burden.
Parkinson’s life expectancy statistics
Parkinson’s disease typically isn’t fatal on its own, but complications of the disease may shorten life expectancy. The effect on lifespan tends to be more significant when Parkinson’s is diagnosed at a younger age:
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| Age at diagnosis | Estimated lifespan reduction | Clinical context |
|---|---|---|
| 55 | 10.5 years | Largest relative reduction in lifespan; often involves young-onset genetic factors |
| 65 | 7.5 years | Typical onset window; lifespan gap begins to narrow relative to peers without Parkinson’s |
| 75 | 4.3 years | Moderate reduction; age-related health factors increasingly influence overall survival |
| 85 | 1.7 years | Minimal divergence; life expectancy closely mirrors typical standard survival for this age group |
Parkinson’s disease affects everyone differently, and with advances in treatment, people with the condition can live long and fulfilling lives.
Parkinson's News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
