Bibliometric Analysis Reveals Growing Research Focus and Global Impact of Parkinson Disease Economic Burden

Research on the economic burden of Parkinson disease (PD) has grown significantly in recent years, highlighting the increasing global impact of this neurodegenerative disorder, according to a study published in the Journal of Public Health.

Lead author Maura Cunha, Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve and Universidade do Algarve - Faculdade de Economia in Faro, Portugal explained, “in order to increase knowledge in the field of management and to analyze published scientific literature, a bibliometric analysis was carried out with the objective of describing, mapping and analysing the evolution and trend of research on economic burden of PD.”

The analysis examined 140 articles published over the past 25 years from 34 countries and revealed significant trends in the study of PD economic burden. It highlighted the US, the United Kingdom, and Germany as the leading contributors to this research field, reflecting their significant investment in understanding and addressing the economic challenges posed by PD.

The analysis identified Movement Disorders, Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, and Pharmacoeconomics as the most prolific journals on this topic. The most cited article by Kowal et al. (2013) focused on estimating the economic burden of PD in the US. This seminal work has become a cornerstone in the field, emphasizing the substantial costs associated with PD, including direct medical expenses and indirect costs such as lost productivity and caregiver burden.

Key research themes emerged from the analysis, including quality of life, impact of the disease, and various treatment approaches. The study also highlighted the growing interest in this area, with peak scientific production occurring in 2021.

The findings underscore the importance of continued research into the economic aspects of PD. The global prevalence of the disease is expected to double in the coming years due to aging populations and increased life expectancy. 

“[PD] remains a chronic condition with growing disability and considerable socioeconomic burden, thus healthcare decision-makers should consider the cost-driving factors of PD and optimize the organization and provision of health care for these patients,” concluded the study authors.

Reference
Cunha M, Almeida H, Guimarães I, et al. Economic burden of Parkinson's disease and research trends: a bibliometric analysis. J Public Health (Berl.). Published online June 15, 2024. doi:10.1007/s10389-024-02308-w