Prime Highlights:
The global number of Parkinson’s cases is projected to reach 25.2 million by 2050, up from 11.9 million in 2021.
The increase is largely driven by population growth, aging demographics, and the rising burden in developing countries.
Key Background:
The global prevalence of Parkinson’s disease is projected to more than double by 2050, with an estimated 25.2 million cases, up from 11.9 million in 2021, according to a recent study published in the BMJ. This surge is primarily driven by population growth, aging demographics, and shifting patterns in developing countries, where the greatest increases in cases are expected.
Researchers from Chinese and Canadian universities conducted the study, which forecasts that the number of Parkinson’s cases will rise significantly across all regions. East Asia is expected to bear the heaviest burden, with approximately 10.9 million people living with Parkinson’s by 2050. South Asia follows closely with an estimated 6.8 million cases, while sub-Saharan Africa is projected to experience the fastest growth (292 percent) due to both aging populations and rapid population growth.
Amelia Hursey, strategic director at Parkinson’s Europe, emphasized the urgent need to address this impending healthcare challenge, noting that no global health system will be able to meet the demand for services required to support this growing population. The study highlights the rising prevalence of Parkinson’s, which could reach 267 cases per 100,000 people globally by 2050—a 76 percent increase in just three decades.
As countries develop, rates of physical activity often decline, which may contribute to the rise in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. Experts suggest that sedentary lifestyles, along with environmental factors such as air pollution, pesticides, and microplastics, may also play a role in increasing Parkinson’s risk. While the burden of Parkinson’s is expected to rise most sharply in lower- and middle-income nations, all regions will face an increase in cases. Researchers call for greater investment in research, healthcare, and support services to help people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers navigate this growing challenge.
