Parkinson's Disease
Global mortality data, country rankings, and trends for Parkinson's Disease from 1990 to 2021.
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Parkinson's Disease is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease. This page presents data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) Global Burden of Disease Study, showing mortality trends, country rankings, and regional patterns. Understanding the epidemiology of parkinson's disease helps inform public health interventions and resource allocation.
This data is sourced from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, processed via Our World in Data. Values represent each cause's share of total deaths (%) unless otherwise noted. Explore related mortality data using the links below.
Parkinson's disease is the fastest-growing neurological disorder globally, with prevalence more than doubling over the past 25 years. It is caused by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor symptoms (tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia) and a range of non-motor features including cognitive decline, depression, sleep disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction. Approximately 8.5 million people live with Parkinson's disease worldwide, and the condition directly or indirectly contributes to over 300,000 deaths annually. While ageing is the primary risk factor, environmental exposures — particularly pesticides (paraquat, rotenone), solvents (trichloroethylene), and head trauma — are established contributors. Genetic mutations (LRRK2, GBA, SNCA) account for 5-10% of cases. Parkinson's mortality has risen across all world regions, reflecting population ageing and increased diagnostic recognition. The disease imposes a substantial disability burden: advanced Parkinson's requires intensive caregiving and is associated with frequent falls, aspiration pneumonia, and dementia.
Across 210 countries, parkinson's disease accounts for an average of 0.7% of total deaths. Regional disparities are substantial: North America has the highest regional average at 1.6%, while Sub-Saharan Africa records the lowest at 0.2% — a 6.3-fold difference that underscores the geographic inequality in parkinson's disease mortality burden.
No proven primary prevention exists for Parkinson's disease, though epidemiological evidence consistently links physical activity and caffeine consumption to reduced risk. Pesticide regulation and occupational safety standards can reduce environmental exposure. Levodopa remains the gold standard symptomatic treatment, and ensuring its universal availability at affordable cost is critical. Deep brain stimulation improves quality of life in advanced disease. Research into disease-modifying therapies targeting alpha-synuclein aggregation, LRRK2 kinase activity, and glucocerebrosidase function is ongoing.