Incidence of Parkinson Disease in North America
This article was published by the Parkinson's Foundation.
When a large population of people have a disease like Parkinson’s disease (PD), it’s essential to have accurate numbers of how many people have the disease, where they live and why they have it. This information helps researchers, healthcare professionals and even legislators determine how many resources should be allocated to addressing, treating and researching a disease.
Parkinson's Incidence
A 2022 Parkinson’s Foundation-backed study reveals that nearly 90,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease every year in the U.S. This represents a steep 50% increase from the previously estimated rate of 60,000 diagnoses annually.
The study, titled "Incidence of Parkinson Disease in North America," found that:
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PD incidence estimates increase with age in the 65+ range.
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The primary risk factor for PD is age.
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PD incidence estimates are higher in males as compared to females at all ages.
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The increase in the incidence of PD aligns with the growth of an aging population.
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PD incidence rates are higher in certain geographic regions: the “Rust Belt” (parts of the northeastern and midwestern U.S. previously regulated by industrial manufacturing), Southern California, Southeastern Texas, Central Pennsylvania and Florida.
This study is the most comprehensive assessment of PD incidence in North America based on five epidemiological (the study of a disease and its impact) sets of data to count the number of diagnoses in 2012. Prior PD incidence rates, based on smaller studies, were estimated to be in the 40,000 – 60,000 range per year. The new incidence rate is 1.5 times higher at nearly 90,000 cases annually.
“These updated estimates of incidence are necessary for understanding disease risk, planning health care delivery, and addressing care disparities. Knowing this information will allow us to better serve people with Parkinson’s and their families and plan for adequate health care services in the future."
- James Beck, PhD, Parkinson’s Foundation Chief Scientific Officer
This new study shows that Parkinson’s numbers are on the rise. “The growth in those diagnosed and living with PD underscores the need for policy makers to confront an increasing strain on clinical services as well as the need to provide additional funding for research that can lead to improved therapies if not an outright cure,” according to the study.
The study was supported by the Parkinson’s Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES).