Global, regional, and national burden of Parkinson’s disease 1990–2021: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study 2021

To present Parkinson’s disease (PD) burden for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021, and further analyze the relationship of burden with socio-demographic index (SDI), age, sex, and risk factors. The burden of PD was analyzed using data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD). Average annual percentage change (AAPC) was used to show annual changes. Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) analysis illustrated future burden. Mendelian randomization (MR) confirmed the causal relationship between smoking and PD. In 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) for PD was 15.63 (95% UI: 14.03–17.38) per 100,000, a 38.82% increase since 1990. The age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate (ASDR) showed a steady increase (AAPC: 0.32%). Key disparities were observed, with the fastest growth in East Asia and Andean Latin America, a positive correlation with SDI, and a consistently higher burden in males. Projections indicate this upward trend will continue through 2050. MR analysis supported a potential protective association for smoking. The global burden of PD is substantial and is projected to continue growing, with significant variations observed by SDI, age, and sex. The burden was consistently higher in males. These findings provide an updated evidence base to inform targeted public health strategies.