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Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, after Alzheimer's disease.[1, 2]
The reported standardized incidence of PD in industrialized countries is estimated at 8-18/100,000 person-years[1], with a prevalence rate of 0.3% of the entire population and about 1% in people over 60 years of age.[12]
PD is an age-related disease; the average age at onset is approximately 55-60 years old with a sharp increase in the incidence seen at 60 years or above. About one in 20 people diagnosed with PD are under the age of 40 and have what is known as 'early-onset' PD.[13]
Several studies have reported a higher incidence and prevalence of PD in men than in women[14-16]. The possible neuroprotective effects of oestrogen have been speculated to play a role in this finding, but this hypothesis remains controversial.[17]
As a progressive disorder that results in significant disability, PD has considerable economic consequences. The direct costs (e.g. medication) of treating the disease reflect only a small portion of the burden; the indirect costs in the form of lost earnings, early retirement and cost of care are substantial. In 1999, the economic consequence of PD was estimated at $1.1 billion (€939 million) worldwide.[2]