Parkinson's, cases to double by 2050: prevention and research to avoid 'imploding'
In order to protect patients and avoid increasing pressure on social and health services, caregivers and the world of work, it is necessary to work on risk reduction by intervening on the relevant factors in the genesis of the disease
by Giovanni Fabbrini *
Parkinson's is today the second most widespread neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's. In Italia it affects around 300,000 people and estimates indicate a possible doubling of cases by 2050. A trend that poses a major challenge not only on a clinical level, but also in terms of the sustainability of the health and social system, with an increasing impact on families and the organisation of care.
In the face of this expected growth, it is increasingly evident that Parkinson's cannot be tackled solely on the diagnosis and treatment front. In recent years, research has taken major steps forward: new drugs, advanced therapies, more personalised approaches and the contribution of digital technologies are improving the management of the disease. Artificial intelligence is also opening up promising perspectives for the identification of early signs and more continuous monitoring of symptoms, while remaining in a phase of gradual integration into clinical practice.
Prevention "backward"
Alongside these developments, however, the subject of prevention remains less structured. It is important to clarify that, in the case of Parkinson's, prevention does not mean finding a simple or definitive solution. Rather, it means working on risk reduction, intervening in the factors that scientific research has indicated as relevant in the genesis of the disease.
In this perspective, prevention should be seen as an early protection of collective health. Reducing risk factors throughout life can help to contain the future impact of Parkinson's disease on the healthcare system and prevent the increase in cases from automatically translating into an increase in the care burden.
Caregivers
Confirming this impact, the burden of informal care is also set to grow. A recent national study sponsored by the LIMPE Foundation shows that 74% of caregivers assist the person with Parkinson's disease on a daily basis and that 15% have had to leave their jobs to devote themselves to care. Only 14% receive structured financial support. Data that show how the burden of the disease falls not only on the health system, but also on the social and productive organisation of the country.
