New Comprehensive Assessment Finds That Annual Incidence Rates Of Parkinson’s Disease In The United States Are 50% Greater Than Previous Estimates
Clinical studies, researchers, and policymakers have been using the wrong estimate of Parkinson’s disease prevalence to make critical public health and safety decisions, according to a new study conducted with support from the Parkinson’s Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences.
The researchers found that the widely-accepted figure of 60,000 total disease diagnoses among older adults per year is inaccurate. Instead, annual incidence rates were actually found to be 50% higher.
This groundbreaking peer-reviewed study was published just last week, on December 15, and could have drastic impacts on a variety of sectors.
“These updated estimates of incidence are necessary for understanding disease risk, planning health care delivery, and addressing care disparities,” explained James Beck, the study’s co-author and chief scientific officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation.
This research also represents the most comprehensive assessment of the disease’s incidence in the United States to date.
The researchers drew on data from five epidemiological cohorts in order to quantify the number of diagnoses in 2012.
Previous incidence rates estimated that between 40,000 and 60,000 cases of Parkinson’s were diagnosed each year.
Through this assessment, though, the true figure was found to be nearly 90,000 cases annually.
Additionally, the primary risk factor for Parkinson’s disease– a progressive nervous system disorder– is age. In turn, the team found that incidence rate estimates grow higher among people in the 65 and older age bracket.
Yingyaipumi – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual couple
The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease diagnoses also varies depending on gender and geographic location.
Males were found to have higher incidence estimates as compared to females of all ages. These estimates are also higher in distinct geographic locations: such as Southern California, Central Pennsylvania, Southeastern Texas, Florida, and the “Rust Belt.”
“The growth in those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease underscores the need to invest in more research toward better treatments, a cure, and one day, prevention,” advocated Brian Fiske, the study’s co-author and chief scientific officer of MJFF.
“It is also a clear call to lawmakers to implement policies that will lessen the burden of Parkinson’s disease on American families and programs like Medicare and Social Security.”
The results of this study could impact a wide range of other areas– for instance, the recruitment strategies of research studies and what individuals enroll. Additionally, the updated incidence rates with corresponding geographical data could inform change-makers about disease “hot spots” where more Parkinson’s resources are in critical need.
To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in NPJ Parkinson’s Disease, visit the link here.
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