Systematic Review and Critical Analysis of Cost Studies Associated with Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide, affecting more than four million people. Typically, it affects individuals above 45, when they are still productive, compromising both aging and quality of life. Therefore, the cost of the disease must be identified, so that the use of resources can be rational and efficient. Additionally, in Brazil, there is a lack of research on the costs of neurodegenerative diseases, such as PD, a gap addressed in this study. This systematic review critically addresses the various methodologies used in original research around the world in the last decade on the subject, showing that costs are hardly comparable. Nonetheless, the economic and social impacts are implicit, and important information for public health agents is provided.

Average annual cost of Parkinson’s disease in São Paulo, Brazil, with a focus on disease-related motor symptoms

“…Although several variables affect costs, most studies typically focus strictly on disease severity and duration. 6 – 10 Studies about PD-associated costs have been conducted worldwide, 6 , 11 , 12 but are relatively rare in South America, where notifying PD is not compulsory.…”

Automated Systems Based on Wearable Sensors for the Management of Parkinson's Disease at Home: A Systematic Review

“…1 A plan to develop strategies able to reduce healthcare costs for age-related pathologies is an important challenge for the future. 2,3 In this scenario, Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative illness that affects millions of people worldwide, and its incidence is growing. 4 PD is caused by a critical loss of dopamine in the forebrain, which results in typical cardinal motor symptoms such as tremor, postural instability, muscular rigidity, and bradykinesia/hypokinesia.…”

Direct Cost of Parkinson’s Disease: A Real-World Data Study of Second-Line Therapies

“…Reviews by Boloventa et al [8] and Rodríguez-Blázquez et al [9] summarized cost studies of the application of diverse methodologies for PD, but there have been very few studies based on real-world data (RWD). In this regard, the importance of this study lies in the source of the information and the possibility of using the results for better decisionmaking.…”