Parkinson's becomes 50% more prevalent than reported previously

CANADA: A new research published in the journal 'npj Parkinson's Disease', discusses the prevalence and recurrence of Parkinson's Disease amongst geriatric patients in North America.

According to scientists, there is no definite cause for this neurodegenerative, age-related condition. Common symptoms of PD include:

1. Tremors
2. Cognitive Impairment
3. Sleep Disorders
4. Pain

In this study, scientists analysed data to estimate the rate of incidence of PD amongst patients aged 45 years or older between the years, 2012 to present.

For this, researchers carefully sifted through several cohorts of 6.3 million people aged 45 years as well 9.3 million people aged 65 or older to examine the rate of Parkinson’s incidence from 2012 healthcare data in North America. 

The research concluded that 60,0000–95,000 people were diagnosed with PD in North America in 2012, largely increased compared to the previous estimates of 40,000–60,000.

Matt Farrer, Ph.D., neurologist, who has not been involved in the study, explained 

" It’s difficult to say why PD is becoming more common. While a general rise in the condition correlates with industrialization, it’s tricky to try to pin down specific causes".