Public Health France publishes new data on the frequency of Parkinson’s disease, also available in open-data on Géodes and the dataviz application.
These data supplement the 2015 estimates and present the annual evolution until 2020, and where we now have a bigger amount of online blackjack players.
Science link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5004732/
Ranked 2nd among neurodegenerative diseases after Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Parkinson’s disease progresses slowly and is characterized in particular by the progressive loss of neurons in the brain.
The disease mainly affects people over the age of 60, with a prevalence that increases with age. It is 1.5 times more common in men than in women.
It is a major cause of dependency, institutionalization and hospitalization. In 2020, nearly 26,000 new cases were diagnosed and just under 180,000 people were treated in France, with some heterogeneity in the territories.
Despite certain advances over the past few decades in understanding the burden of the disease and considering the symptoms associated with the disease, which may or may not be motor (fatigue, mood disorders, constipation, etc.), there is still much to be done to improve patient care and slow disease progression.
Public Health France monitors the evolution of the number of people affected by Parkinson’s disease as well as their profile and makes its data available to promote research and prevention.
The Agency recalls the importance of early treatment and encourages healthcare professionals to remain vigilant with regard to symptoms in order to limit the impact of the disease on the quality of life of patients.
A Disease That Continues To Progress Over Time Due To The Aging Population
Parkinson’s Disease: Key Figures 2020
As of December 31, 2020, 177,624 people were treated for Parkinson’s disease in France, i.e. approximately 1 in 380 people. During the year, 25,820 people were newly treated for this disease (i.e. 38 new cases per 100,000 people per year). The reported frequencies are in agreement with international data.
The number of cases and new cases increases continuously with age between 45 and 80 before reaching a peak between 85 and 89, then decreases. They are higher in men, whatever the age, and are reversed beyond 85 years. Among all patients, 15% are under the age of 65.
The increase over time has already been described in previous data (2010-2015) and was expected given the aging of the population.
Regional Disparities
In 2020, the data show a certain heterogeneity in terms of incidence, particularly in the departments of Guyana, Indre, Bouches-du-Rhône, Vienne, and Lozère, which have higher frequencies than the rest of the territory.
Given the multifactorial etiology of Parkinson’s disease, these geographical disparities have no obvious explanation. Specific studies would make it possible to better characterize the risk or protective factors of the disease.
A moderate impact on mortality and healthcare utilization in 2020 during the COVID-19 epidemic
7.6% of patients identified for Parkinson’s disease in 2020 died in the same year compared to 6.3% of deaths among patients identified in 2019 (i.e. +21% increase in the proportion of patients who died in the year).
This increase may be explained by greater mortality linked to the COVID-19 pandemic among patients with Parkinson’s disease, limiting the expected increase in prevalence forecasts. The observed decrease in incidence (-4.7% compared to 2019) could be linked to less use of care.
The Practice Of Regular Physical Activity To Better Fight Against Parkinson’s Disease
Regular physical activity can limit the onset of the disease. In patients, it seems to improve the course of the disease. Although the pathophysiological mechanisms remain to be elucidated, physical activity is currently the lifestyle intervention of most interest in Parkinson’s disease, in particular because of the other health benefits of physical activity. physical activity such as the improvement of muscular and cardiorespiratory capacities, the reduction of hypertension, the improvement of cognition, of sleep, the reduction of depression.
Regular physical activity is recommended as a preventive measure against Parkinson’s disease and is also beneficial for patients already diagnosed with the condition. Although the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, regular physical activity has shown promising results in improving the course of the disease. It offers various health benefits, including improved muscle and cardiovascular fitness, reduced hypertension, enhanced cognition and sleep, and decreased depression.
In conclusion, the frequency of Parkinson’s disease in France has been steadily increasing, particularly among the elderly population. Efforts to improve patient care, early detection, and understanding of the disease’s risk factors are vital.
Regular physical activity emerges as a valuable lifestyle intervention that can help prevent and manage Parkinson’s disease, while also offering additional health benefits. As the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease continues to rise in France, it is crucial to focus on improving patient care, early detection, and understanding of the disease.
Public Health France’s data provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Parkinson’s, enabling researchers and healthcare professionals to enhance research efforts and preventive measures. Regular physical activity stands out as a promising intervention to prevent and manage the disease, offering multiple health benefits.
By prioritizing these strategies, we can strive to reduce the burden of Parkinson’s disease, improve patient outcomes, and ultimately enhance the overall well-being of those affected by this neurodegenerative disorder.
