Parkinson's disease among American Indians and Alaska natives: A nationwide prevalence study

Mov Disord. 2012 Aug 14. doi: 10.1002/mds.25153. [Epub ahead of print]

Gordon PH, Mehal JM, Holman RC, Rowland AS, Cheek JE.

Source

Indian Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Northern Navajo Medical Center, Shiprock, New Mexico, USA. paul.gordon@ihs.gov.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people.

METHODS:

We analyzed records for AI/AN people between 2002 and 2009 using inpatient and outpatient visit data from the Indian Health Service. Crude and age-adjusted prevalence, using the 2000 projected US population as the standard, was determined overall and by age group, sex, period, and region.

RESULTS:

An estimated 2613 AI/AN people carried the diagnosis of PD (crude prevalence, 143.8/100,000). Prevalence increased with age through 84 years. The age-adjusted rate was 355.7 and was higher among men than women (P < .0001). Rates differed by region (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Parkinson's disease is prevalent among AI/AN people. The prevalence increases with age, varies by geographic region, and is higher among men than women. Community-based studies are needed to define incidence, examine risk factors, and determine reasons for sex and regional differences in PD among AI/AN people.