Doctors warn incurable brain condition set to rise 112% and hit 25 million people
The cases of a debilitating and incurable brain condition are forecast to rise 112% and hit 25million by 2050. 25 million people across the world will be living with a debilitating brain condition by 2050, scientists have warned.
Cases of the progressive disease are set to surge by 112 per cent on numbers recorded in 2021, a study published to the BMJ predicts. An ageing population is set to drive the surge in cases of Parkinson's disease over the next 25 years, medics have said.
Chinese scientists predicted that there will be 25.2 million people worldwide with Parkinson's disease and their analysis showed that the number of cases per 100,000 people is expected to increase by 76 per cent from 2021.
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They said: 'An urgent need exists for future research to focus on the development of novel drugs, gene engineering techniques, and cell replacement therapies that are aimed at modifying the course of the disease and improving patients' quality of life."
"Projecting the future number of people with Parkinson's disease is important for several reasons. Accurate projections enable appropriate allocation of healthcare resources and a better understanding of demand for specialists, drug treatments, rehabilitation, and long term care, preventing shortages that could lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment choices, and diminished health related quality of life for patients," they wrote in an editorial published to BMJ.
"Projections also inform targeted interventions, early diagnosis efforts, and public health prevention and management strategies," they added. "Understanding the growing prevalence of Parkinson's disease underscores the need for continued research into its causes, treatments, and potential cures, guiding funding towards the most promising areas.
"Projected increases in Parkinson's disease prevalence provide quantifiable data to support advocacy efforts, securing greater attention and resources for research, care, and support services including better funding.
"By understanding the future burden of Parkinson's disease, we can better prepare to meet the challenges ahead and improve outcomes for people affected by this debilitating disease."
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