New Report Reveals $82.2 Billion Economic Burden of Parkinson’s in the U.S.
A newly released report, co-sponsored by the American Parkinson Disease Association, has shown that Parkinson’s disease (PD) and atypical Parkinsonism are placing an $82.2 billion annual economic burden on the United States as of 2024—highlighting the growing financial strain of these neurological conditions.
The study estimates that approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. are currently living with Parkinson’s disease or atypical Parkinsonism (with about 1.1 million of that total living with PD), with costs spanning medical care, lost productivity, disability benefits, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Of the $82.2 billion total, $23.8 billion is attributable to direct medical costs, including hospitalizations, outpatient care, and medications. $58.4 billion reflects indirect and non-medical costs, including lost income, reduced workplace productivity, and unpaid caregiving.
According to the report, the largest share of indirect costs comes from lost earnings and reduced workplace productivity, totaling $26.2 billion. Additional indirect costs include $18.2 billion in non-medical expenses such as home modifications and paid assistance for daily living, and $5.7 billion in out-of-pocket expenses for supplies, therapies, and supportive services not covered by insurance.
Experts warn that these figures are expected to rise sharply. By 2045, the number of people living with Parkinson’s or related conditions in the U.S. is projected to reach nearly 1.7 million, with the total economic burden climbing to an estimated $112.4 billion. Notably, this projection far exceeds earlier estimates from a 2019 report, which anticipated a $79 billion burden by 2037—a threshold that has already been passed.
In addition, the findings reveal that 90% of individuals living with Parkinson’s or atypical Parkinsonism rely on Medicare, meaning most of the direct medical costs are borne by the federal government. Combined government spending on PD from Medicare, Medicaid, and disability benefits exceeds $25 billion annually.
The study was conducted by The Lewin Group in collaboration with leading advocacy and research organizations, including The Michael J. Fox Foundation, APDA, the Parkinson’s Foundation, and Cure PSP. You can view the full report here.
Researchers say the report represents the most comprehensive analysis to date of the economic toll of Parkinson’s disease and atypical Parkinsonism, underscoring the urgent need for expanded assistance, improved care strategies, and continued investment in research. APDA is working hard to help secure these resources for the entire PD community.
“APDA is committed to making each day easier for everyone impacted by Parkinson’s disease, but the financial hardship of life with PD continues to rise, and as the study shows, it’s rising at a faster pace than anticipated,” said Anne Hubbard, chief public policy officer, APDA. “Increased federal investment in Parkinson’s research is critical, and is needed now, to get us to a cure faster and mitigate this ever-increasing economic burden on the PD community and our country.”
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