Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.
Published On:
October 1, 2023
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Here are 63 key statistics about Parkinson's, including its prevalence, demographics, and treatments:
Top 10 Key Parkinson's Statistics
An estimated 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson's disease.
Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's each year.
Men are 1.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson's than women.
The average age of onset for Parkinson's is 60 years old.
The annual cost of Parkinson's disease in the United States is estimated to be nearly $52 billion.
Medications can help manage the symptoms of Parkinson's, but there is no cure.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment option for some people with Parkinson's who have not responded well to medication.
In addition to motor symptoms like tremors and difficulty walking, many people with Parkinson's also experience non-motor symptoms such as depression and constipation.
Exercise has been shown to improve mobility and quality of life for people with Parkinson's.
Research into new treatments and a potential cure for Parkinson's is ongoing, with promising developments in areas such as gene therapy and stem cell therapy.
Parkinson's in the U.S.
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States, after Alzheimer's disease.
According to the Parkinson's Foundation, there are approximately one million people living with Parkinson's in the United States alone.
The prevalence of Parkinson's increases with age, affecting 1% of people over 60 years old and 4% of those over 80 years old.
While Parkinson's can affect people of all races and ethnicities, studies have shown that it is more common among Caucasians than other racial/ethnic groups.
In terms of geographic distribution within the U.S., some states have higher rates of Parkinson's than others. For example, a study published in JAMA Neurology found that the state with the highest prevalence of Parkinson's was North Dakota (0.84%), while the state with the lowest prevalence was Hawaii (0.26%).
Prevalence and Demographics
Parkinson's affects approximately 1% of the global population over the age of 60, making it the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
The prevalence of Parkinson's is higher in men than women, with a ratio of 1.5:1. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
The average age of onset for Parkinson's is 60, but the disease can affect people as young as 30. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
Parkinson's is more prevalent among Caucasians than other races. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
Individuals with a family history of Parkinson's have a higher risk of developing the disease. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
Parkinson's Statistics by Age
The incidence of Parkinson's disease increases with age, with the highest rates among those aged 85 years and older. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
About 5-10% of people with Parkinson's are diagnosed before the age of 50, which is known as young-onset Parkinson's. (Source: Michael J. Fox Foundation)
Young-onset Parkinson's affects men more often than women, and the symptoms may progress more slowly than in those who develop the disease later in life. (Source: Michael J. Fox Foundation)
The risk of developing Parkinson's disease increases by about 1-2% per year after the age of 60. (Source: National Institute on Aging)
About one-third of people with Parkinson's experience cognitive impairment, such as memory loss or difficulty with attention and problem-solving, within five years of their diagnosis. (Source: American Parkinson Disease Association)
As many as 80% of people with Parkinson's disease will eventually develop dementia, which can significantly impact their quality of life and ability to function independently. (Source: American Parkinson Disease Association)
While rare, children can also develop a form of Parkinson's called juvenile-onset PD, which typically presents before the age of 21 and progresses more rapidly than adult-onset PD. (Source: Journal of Neural Transmission)
Parkinson's Statistics by Gender
Men are 1.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson's than women.
In the United States, 63.12% of people with Parkinson's disease are male and 36.88% are female. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
Women with Parkinson's tend to have a slower disease progression and better cognitive function than men with the disease. (Source: Journal of Parkinson's Disease)
Men with Parkinson's may experience greater motor symptom severity and faster cognitive decline than women with the disease. (Source: Journal of Parkinson's Disease)
Women with Parkinson's may be more susceptible to developing dyskinesias, which are involuntary movements that can occur as a side effect of medication used to treat the disease. (Source: Movement Disorders Clinical Practice)
Men with Parkinson's may be more likely to experience freezing of gait, which is a common symptom characterized by difficulty initiating or continuing movement, particularly when turning or changing direction while walking. (Source: Journal of Neurology)
While men are more likely to develop Parkinson's than women overall, some studies suggest that this gender difference may disappear after age 80 or 85 years old. (Source: Journal of Neurology)
Parkinson's Statistics by Race
African Americans have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to Caucasians and Asians. (Source: Movement Disorders Clinical Practice)
The prevalence rate of Parkinson's disease in Hispanic populations is similar to that of Caucasians, but research suggests that Hispanics may experience greater motor symptom severity and disability compared to other races. (Source: Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology)
Parkinson's Statistics per State
In California, an estimated 97,000 people are living with Parkinson's disease.
Florida has the highest prevalence of Parkinson's disease in the country, with an estimated 153,000 people affected.
New York has the second-highest prevalence of Parkinson's disease in the U.S., with an estimated 100,000 individuals living with the condition.
Texas has approximately 83,000 residents living with Parkinson's disease.
Pennsylvania has an estimated 57,000 individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Ohio has approximately 35,000 residents living with Parkinson's disease.
Illinois has an estimated 33,000 individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
(Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The four primary symptoms of Parkinson's are tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
Parkinson's symptoms can be challenging to diagnose, as they can mimic other conditions. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
The average time for a diagnosis of Parkinson's is one year, with some individuals taking up to six years to receive a diagnosis. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
There is no definitive test for Parkinson's, so diagnosis is typically based on a patient's medical history, symptoms, and a physical examination. (Source: Michael J. Fox Foundation)
Parkinson's Disease Duration
The duration of Parkinson's disease varies from person to person, but on average, people with the disease live for about 15-20 years after their diagnosis. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
Studies have shown that the progression of Parkinson's disease can be divided into five stages, with each stage lasting an average of eight years. (Source: Journal of Neurology)
The first stage is characterized by mild symptoms and typically lasts for about three years.
The second stage is marked by worsening symptoms and lasts for about two years.
In the third stage, symptoms become more severe and disabling, and this stage lasts for approximately three years.
The fourth stage is characterized by significant disability and lasts for about one year.
The fifth and final stage is marked by severe debilitation and can last for several years. (Source: Journal of Neurology)
Treatment and Management
There is no cure for Parkinson's, but medications and surgery can help manage symptoms. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
Levodopa is the most commonly prescribed medication for Parkinson's. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment that can help manage symptoms for some individuals with Parkinson's. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
Exercise, physical therapy, and occupational therapy are essential components of Parkinson's management. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
Parkinson's can also cause non-motor symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, which require specific treatments. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
Research and Funding
Parkinson's research is ongoing, with a focus on finding a cure and better treatments. (Source: Michael J. Fox Foundation)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest funder of Parkinson's research, with an annual budget of over $170 million. (Source: NIH)
The Michael J. Fox Foundation is the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, with over $1 billion invested to date. (Source: Michael J. Fox Foundation)
In 2020, the Parkinson's Foundation invested $24 million in research and patient care. (Source: Parkinson's Foundation)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the statistics surrounding Parkinson's disease are alarming and serve as a reminder of the impact this disease has on individuals and society as a whole. Parkinson's is a chronic and progressive disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and its symptoms can be debilitating and life-changing.
While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's, ongoing research and improved treatments offer hope for those living with the disease. The medical community is working tirelessly to develop new therapies and medications that can help manage the symptoms of Parkinson's and improve the quality of life for those affected.
It is important that we continue to support research efforts and raise awareness about Parkinson's disease. By doing so, we can help to improve the lives of those living with the disease and work towards finding a cure.
