Longitudinal evaluation of economic and physical impact of Parkinson's disease

The cost of parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease (PD) is largely unknown al though clinical experience suggests that the impact of this disease is subs tantial. Longitudinal data is presented for health status, disease symptoms , functional status, and financial costs for 70 participants with PD or par kinsonism. The sample was dichotomized into those rating their health as ex cellent, good, or very good ('good health') and those rating their health a s fair or poor ('poor health'). The 'poor health' group were significantly more disabled at baseline. Symptoms increased between year 1 and 3 with gre atest increases in fatigue, pain, and depression for the 'good health' grou p. At year 1, total direct cost/capita was about $5000/year for both groups ; indirect costs were $5000 for the 'good health' group and $15,000/year fo r the 'poor health' group. By year 3, total expenditures increased over 25% for the 'good health' group and nearly doubled for the 'poor health' group , while percent costs that were compensated declined for groups. Out of poc ket, expenses were as high as $3000/year for the 'poor health' group by yea r 3. Through analysis of the broad impact of PD, including non-neurological symptoms and economic ramifications, it is possible to better appreciate t he impact of this chronic condition on overall quality of life. (C) 2001 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.