Parkinson's disease in Germany: prevalence and incidence based on health claims data

Abstract

BackgroundIn Germany, epidemiological information on Parkinson's disease (PD) is rare and outdated. Considering aging populations, current prevalences and incidence rates about this age‐related disease would be important for adequate public health planning.MethodsWe used newly available health claims data sets from the largest German health insurer dating 2004‐2007 and 2007‐2010 with an analysis population in the base years of 491 038 persons aged 50 and older. Quarter‐specific information about ICD‐10 diagnoses and PD drug prescriptions from the inpatient and outpatient sectors was used to validate PD cases. Estimations were presented for two validation strategies relying on repeated PD diagnoses (SIa) and on one PD diagnosis followed by at least one PD drug prescription (SIb).ResultsThe standardized prevalence was 797 (SIb) to 961/100 000 persons (SIa), showing an age‐specific increase up to category 85‐89 and a decline thereafter. The standardized incidence rate was 192 to 229/100 000 person‐years with a similar age‐specific shape. Prevalences and incidences rates were higher for men compared to women in regard to age.ConclusionsHealth claims data are found to be suitable for PD assessment using the repeated diagnoses or PD drug prescriptions as necessary criteria.

Association of statin use with Parkinson's disease: Dose–response relationship

“…In a study in Germany, one of the necessary criterion for defining PD using claim data was PD drug prescriptions. 36 Second, as our data are based on secondary data, there could be some misclassification of event timing. For example, there could be lags among PD onset, PD diagnosis, and PD treatment.…”

The increasing prevalence of Parkinson's disease in Estonia

“…Males have been related to higher age-adjusted prevalence rates in many studies; in only a few studies did females have higher rates. 3,7,11,14,15,[17][18][19] Several other studies did not observe a statistically significant difference between gender and adjusted PD prevalence rates. 4,6,20 Results on the role of urban or rural living on prevalence of PD are controversial.…”

“…[13][14][15] The existing body of research on PD epidemiology suggests that disease frequency peaks in the age-group 80-89 years old and then declines; 5,16,17 other studies have found the highest agespecific prevalence rates among the oldest groups studied. [13][14][15] The existing body of research on PD epidemiology suggests that disease frequency peaks in the age-group 80-89 years old and then declines; 5,16,17 other studies have found the highest agespecific prevalence rates among the oldest groups studied.…”

“…[13][14][15] The existing body of research on PD epidemiology suggests that disease frequency peaks in the age-group 80-89 years old and then declines; 5,16,17 other studies have found the highest agespecific prevalence rates among the oldest groups studied. 3,7,11,14,15,[17][18][19] Several other studies did not observe a statistically significant difference between gender and adjusted PD prevalence rates. Males have been related to higher age-adjusted prevalence rates in many studies; in only a few studies did females have higher rates.…”

“…were screened. [13][14][15] The existing body of research on PD epidemiology suggests that disease frequency peaks in the age-group 80-89 years old and then declines; 5,16,17 other studies have found the highest agespecific prevalence rates among the oldest groups studied. 14,15,18 A much-debated question is whether gender is a risk factor of PD.…”