Parkinson's disease costs Europe €22.8 billion annually

A study published in the journal ‘Movement Disorders’ reveals that Parkinson’s disease cost European countries €22.8 billion in 2019, a figure that reaches €28.8 billion when adjusted to 2025 prices.

As the second most common and fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder globally, Parkinson’s prevalence in Europe has nearly doubled since 1990, rising from 135 to 247 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This increase is attributed to an aging population and improved diagnostic capabilities. Researchers warn that rising numbers will place increasing pressure on healthcare and social care systems.

The economic burden is divided into three main categories: €17.3 billion in direct medical and non-medical costs (such as hospital care, medication, and home adaptations), €4.4 billion in unpaid informal care provided by family and friends, and €1 billion in indirect costs from lost productivity.

Five countries account for approximately 75% of the total economic burden in Europe: Germany (€5.7 billion), France (€5.3 billion), Italy (€2.6 billion), Spain (€1.9 billion), and the United Kingdom (€1.6 billion).