Global Parkinson’s Cases Projected to Double by 2050, Study Warns

By 2050, the number of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease is expected to reach approximately 25.2 million — a 112% increase compared to 2021. This projection comes from a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), based on data from 195 countries.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), both the prevalence and mortality rates of Parkinson’s are steadily rising. The disease significantly impacts motor function, mental health, and overall quality of life, often leading to disability and dementia. While there is currently no cure, a combination of treatments, including medication, physical therapy, and even surgery, can help manage symptoms and improve patients’ well-being.

In low- and middle-income countries, essential medications like levodopa — which boosts dopamine levels in the brain to improve motor function, are not widely accessible. A shortage of medical specialists further exacerbates the situation.

Forecasts suggest that East Asia will have the highest number of cases by 2050, with 10.9 million patients, followed by South Asia with an estimated 6.8 million. The most dramatic increase is expected in Sub-Saharan West Africa, with a projected 292% rise compared to 2021. In contrast, Central and Eastern Europe are expected to see a more moderate increase of 28%.

Researchers warn that the anticipated surge in cases will place significant strain on healthcare systems. They emphasize the urgent need for further research into new drug development, genetic engineering, and cell replacement therapies to alleviate symptoms and enhance patient care.

Experts identify population aging and growth — particularly among men and in regions like East Asia — as the primary drivers of the rising Parkinson’s burden.

To cope with this growing challenge, global health systems will need to implement new strategies, invest in training healthcare professionals, improve access to medications, and expand existing medical services.