The Alliance for Aging Research released The Silver Book: Parkinson’s Disease fact sheet recently during a Capitol Hill briefing with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

The resource highlights leading statistics about the disease, including data on the toll of the disease and the value of innovation and public policy solutions in reducing its impact.

“The Silver Book has become a trusted resource over the years for health policy practitioners and thought leaders looking for the leading statistics on chronic diseases that disproportionately impact older adults. This new fact sheet gives an important look at the impact Parkinson’s disease is having on our older population, and underscores how important it is that we continue to invest in research that could change the lives of millions. We are pleased to add this new resource to The Silver Book series,” says Susan Peschin, MHS, President and CEO of the Alliance for Aging Research, in a media release.

The latest in the Silver Book series, this fact sheet features new data from a study commissioned by The Michael J. Fox Foundation and conducted by the Lewin Group. The study assesses the economic burden of Parkinson’s disease and includes the various ways it affects a person’s finances and their ability to participate in the labor market.

“We know about the physical and emotional impacts of Parkinson’s disease, and now we have a clearer understanding of its economic burden,” states Ted Thompson, JD, senior vice president of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the release continues.

“This study provides strong data to support increased investment in biomedical research. We plan to share it with Congress and other policy makers who can ensure we make those investments and alleviate the pressure on programs like Medicare and Social Security, as well as the wallets of those living with Parkinson’s.”

The new study calculates the total cost of Parkinson’s at $51.9 billion each year, with $25.4 billion attributable to direct medical costs (e.g., hospitalizations, medication) and $26.5 billion in indirect costs including disability income, reduced employment, and social productivity loss.

Other key facts in The Silver Book: Parkinson’s Disease, include:

  • Every 9 minutes someone in the US is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
  • The average age of Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in the US is 70.5 years old
  • Men are 1.37 times more likely to have Parkinson’s disease than women
  • More than 23,000 premature deaths in 2017 were associated with Parkinson’s disease
  • If progression of the disease was slowed by 20%, it would save each person with Parkinson’s more than $75,000

[Source(s): Alliance for Aging Research, PR Newswire]