Parkinson's: The fastest growing brain disease in the world
What are we talking about?
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the destruction of dopamine neurons (neurotransmitter that allows communication within the nervous system). This leads to loss of autonomy.
The three major symptoms of the disease are: Akinesia, resting tremor and rigidity.
This disease is responsible for motor complications (dyskinesias, fluctuations, falls) and cognitive complications (cognitive decline, hallucinations, dementia).
Prevalence
6.3 million patients worldwide and could reach 12.9 million by 2040.
200,000 cases in France, 68 new cases per day. An increase of about 65% expected between 2010 and 2030.
The average age of diagnosis is between 60 and 50 years. The average age in France is 58.
Every year in France, 2 billion euros are spent on: Paramedical care 550M€, hospitalization 500M€, ambulatory care 420M€, drugs 320M€.
Key issues
One of the keys is to be able to follow biomarkers to visualize the death of neurons and see the impact of a treatment on the brain.
Once we have these tools, which are under development, we will be able to test molecules and combinations of molecules in a much more relevant way.
Pr D Devos, NS Park expert
