The prevalence of Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational epidemiological studies (by design analogy).
PubMed 24976103 · doi:10.1002/mds.25945
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis searching MEDLINE and EMBASE (1985 to 2010) for epidemiological studies on Parkinson's disease (PD) prevalence. Data were stratified by age group, sex, and geographic region (Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe/North America/Australia) and analyzed using meta-regression.
What was found
From 47 included studies, worldwide PD prevalence increased with age (per 100,000): 41 in ages 40–49, 107 in 50–59, 173 in 55–64, 428 in 60–69, 425 in 65–74, 1087 in 70–79, and 1903 in those older than 80. A statistically significant geographic difference was detected only in the 70–79 age group: 1601 per 100,000 in Europe/North America/Australia compared to 646 in Asia (P < 0.05). A statistically significant sex difference occurred only in the 50–59 age group: 134 per 100,000 in males versus 41 in females (P < 0.05).
Why it matters
This review provides quantitative global benchmarks for Parkinson's disease prevalence, demonstrating a steep age-dependent gradient and regional variation among older adults.
Limits
The abstract does not report total participant counts, confidence intervals, or details regarding diagnostic criteria and between-study heterogeneity. Broad regional groupings may mask local variation, and the search ended in 2010.
Cited by
- partial Parkinson's disease affects approximately 1 in 100 people over the age of 50.