Parkinson’s disease is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. An estimated seven to 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease.
The prevalence of the disease ranges from 41 people per 100,000 in the fourth decade of life to more than 1,900 people per 100,000 among those who are 80 and older.
The incidence of the disease, or the rate of newly diagnosed cases, generally increases with age, although it can stabilize in people who are older than 80. An estimated 4 percent of people with Parkinson’s are diagnosed before age 50.
Men are 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson’s than women.
The disease affects patients’ quality of life, making social interaction more difficult and worsening their financial condition, due to the medical expenses associated with the disease.
Population studies on the incidence of Parkinson’s are important to scientists’ understanding of the history of the disease, its progression, and the risk factors associated with it. Information about the incidence in different age groups and genders can help healthcare experts design strategies to meet patients’ needs.
Parkinson’s statistics in selected countries
United States
About one million Americans are thought to have Parkinson’s. This is more than those affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), muscular dystrophy (MD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) combined.
Every year, about 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This does not reflect the thousands of cases that go undetected.
The combined direct and indirect costs of Parkinson’s in the U.S. including treatment, disability, and similar costs, plus lost income from an inability to work, are estimated at $25 billion per year.
The average cost of Parkinson’s medication is $2,500 per year. Parkinson’s-related surgery can cost up to $100,000 per patient.
Canada
According to UCB, a global biopharma company focused on severe diseases with operations in approximately 40 countries, there are over 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson’s disease today, with about 6,600 new cases of Parkinson’s diagnosed each year in Canada (based on an annual incidence of 20 new cases per 100,000 people).
Overall, men are more likely to have the disease than women. The figures are 0.3% of men compared to 0.2% of women in private households, and 6.6% of men vs. 4% of women in care facilities.
About 56% of patients receive formal or informal assistance due to their condition. Of these, 84% rely on family, friends, or neighbors, while 56% obtain other assistance.
United Kingdom
The prevalence of Parkinson’s in the U.K. is about one in 500 people, with a total of about 127,000 people living with the disease.
Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s every hour in the U.K. Most are 50 or older.
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