Parkinson’s disease is the most expensive outpatient neurological disease, and it is the most common neurological problem after stroke and epilepsy. As estimated by epidemiological studies, the prevalence of this disorder is 175 cases/100,000 population. Based on these numbers, there are an estimated 13,000 patients with Parkinson’s disease in South Carolina.  Because Parkinson patients live a virtually normal lifespan, the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease increases as the population ages.

Few studies have estimated the economic burden of Parkinson’s disease. However, a 1997 Duke study by Whetten-Goldstein, et al. estimated the annual cost of care and cost to society to be $25,000 per patient. South Carolina is ranked 8th in the nation in terms of growth of the 65 and older population. These costs will continue to grow and the state and citizens of South Carolina will experience a significant economic impact.

References:
Scheife RT, Schumock GT, Burstein A, et al.  Impact of Parkinson’s disease and its pharmacologic treatment on quality of life and economic outcomes. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2000; 57(10): 953-962.

Whetten-Goldstein K, Sloan F, Kulas E et al. The burden of Parkinson’s disease  on society, family and the individual.  J Am Geriatr Soc. 1997; 45:844-9.