Early-onset Parkinson's disease, regional and national burden, and its attributable risk factors in 204 countries and regions from 1990 to 2021: Results from the global burden of disease study 2021

Background

Early-Onset Parkinson's Disease (EOPD), defined as diagnosis before age 40, accounts for 5–10 % of Parkinson's cases and is characterized by slower progression and severe motor and non-motor complications. Its global burden has risen significantly, particularly among younger populations, but comprehensive analyses of trends, disparities, and determinants remain scarce.

Methods

EOPD burden was examined in 204 countries from 1990 to 2021 using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data. Age-standardized rates (ASR) for incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were computed. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was used to analyze temporal trends. Associations with the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) were investigated, and projections were made for future trends up to 2035 using time-series models.

Results

Global ASRs for incidence, mortality, and DALYs in 2021 were 0.333, 0.006, and 0.461 per 100,000 population, respectively. Incidence and DALYs increased from 1990 to 2021, while mortality fluctuated. Higher burdens were reported in high-SDI regions due to improved detection and longer survival, whereas low-SDI regions faced underdiagnosis and limited healthcare access. Projections suggest a continued rise in EOPD burden, particularly in the 35–39 age group, by 2035.

Conclusion

The increasing worldwide burden of EOPD, along with significant regional and socioeconomic inequalities, underscores the pressing necessity for prompt diagnosis, equitable healthcare access, and specific interventions to address this escalating public health issue.