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The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is projected to increase to 3.15 million globally by 2033, up from 2.64 million in 2023, according to a report released Monday by GlobalData, a data and analytics company. The annual growth rate (AGR) of 1.94% highlights the increasing impact of the disease on aging populations worldwide.
The report focuses on seven major countries — the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan — which are expected to experience the most significant rise in diagnosed cases. Among these, the United States will bear the largest burden, with 1.24 million diagnosed cases by 2033. In contrast, Italy will report the lowest number of cases, with an estimated 0.16 million.
Age and Gender Disparities in Prevalence
The findings emphasize that age is a critical factor in the prevalence of Parkinson’s. In 2023, individuals aged 60 and older accounted for over 90% of diagnosed cases, while those aged 18 to 39 represented less than 1%. Rahul N. Ravi, Senior Epidemiologist at GlobalData, explained, “This age distribution aligns with findings showing higher PD prevalence among older populations.”
The report also noted a slight predominance of Parkinson’s among men. Ravi attributed this to demographic variations and significant differences in sex-specific diagnosed prevalence across the studied regions.
Challenges in Treatment
Parkinson’s disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s, is clinically categorized as a movement disorder. Its primary symptoms include tremors, muscle rigidity, and slowed movement (bradykinesia). Despite advances in symptomatic treatment, no cure exists to halt or slow the disease’s progression.
“Countries with growing aging populations must develop strategies to address the healthcare needs of individuals with PD,” Ravi emphasized, pointing out that the seven high-risk nations will play a crucial role in advancing treatments over the next decade.
Implications for Healthcare Systems
As Parkinson’s disease primarily affects older adults, the projected rise in cases underscores the urgent need for robust healthcare planning. Aging populations in developed countries are expected to strain healthcare resources, necessitating increased focus on specialized care and research into disease-modifying treatments.
This report serves as a call to action for policymakers and healthcare providers to prioritize the needs of individuals living with Parkinson’s and invest in innovative approaches to improve their quality of life.
