The Evolving Global Burden of Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease (1990–2021): Regional, Gender, and Age Disparities in the Context of Rising Incidence and Declining Mortality

Background

Young-onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD) has emerged as a significant global public health challenge characterized by its early onset among individuals in their prime working years, complex disruptions to social roles, and a substantial socioeconomic burden encompassing diminished productivity, escalating healthcare costs, and markedly reduced quality of life.

Methods

Using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data, this study analyzed YOPD burden (ages 20–49) from 1990 to 2021, assessing age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), mortality rate (ASMR), disability-adjusted life years rate (ASDR), and trends via Bayesian Age-Period Cohort (BAPC) modeling.

Results

Over the past three decades, the ASIR (estimated annual percentage change [EAPC] = 1.40%) and ASDR (EAPC = 0.14%) have significantly increased globally in YOPD, whereas the ASMR (EAPC = −0.42%) has declined. The sociodemographic index (SDI) exhibits an inverted U-shaped correlation with the burden of disease, with the middle SDI region representing the core burden zone globally. The rising trend in burden of disease is most pronounced in the middle SDI, and the high-middle SDI has the most significant upward trend in disease burden. Notably, East, South, and Southeast Asia accounted for more than 60% of global cases and deaths, led by China and India. Additionally, the burden of YOPD increases with age, with the number of new YOPD cases, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) being 48%, 92%, and 73% higher in men than in women, respectively. By 2050, the ASIR is projected to rise by 12.39%, whereas the ASMR and ASDR may drop by 23.75% and by 22.05%, reflecting a “rising incidence paired with declining mortality and projected reductions in disability burden” trend.

Conclusion

YOPD disproportionately impacts working-age populations, with geographic, gender, and age disparities. This analysis establishes YOPD as a priority condition for global neurological health initiatives, particularly in middle SDI regions and Asia, requiring differentiated regional approaches to mitigate its growing impact on working-age populations.