Parkinson's disease is projected to become a more pressing health concern than Alzheimer's disease, with cases expected to double globally by 2050. A recent study published in The BMJ estimates that the number of people affected by Parkinson's could rise to over 25 million by 2050, marking a 112% increase from 2021. The study highlights an aging global population as the primary driver of this increase.
The prevalence of Parkinson's disease is anticipated to reach 267 cases per 100,000 people by 2050, a 76% rise from 2021, according to researchers from Capital Medical University in Beijing. The most significant rise is expected among individuals aged 80 and older, with cases projected to increase by 196%.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation emphasizes the importance of understanding the number of people affected by Parkinson's to highlight the need for research. Brian Fiske, PhD, chief science officer at the foundation, noted that while the estimates are not perfect, they underscore the growing public health challenge posed by the disease.
The study also reveals that men are expected to be more affected than women, with the male-to-female ratio of age-standardized prevalence increasing from 1.46 in 2021 to 1.64 in 2050. The highest number of cases is projected to be in East Asia, followed by South Asia, while western Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to experience the largest relative increase.
These findings call for increased investment in research, early detection programs, and accessible treatment options to address the rising burden of Parkinson's disease globally. Policymakers are urged to prioritize resources for regions expected to see the highest increases in prevalence, particularly middle-income countries and areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.