Parkinson’s Disease Costs Projected to Reach $112 Billion by 2045

According to an economic burden analysis commissioned by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), the total economic impact of Parkinson’s disease in the United States is projected to reach $112 billion by 2045, representing a substantial increase over current estimates. The analysis evaluated direct medical, indirect, and non-medical costs and reflects a rise in diagnoses of the chronic disease, longer survival, and increasing financial strain on patients, families, and the healthcare system.^{1 2 3}

The findings build on earlier estimates from the Parkinson’s Foundation, which document steady growth in both diagnosed cases and associated healthcare costs. Earlier MJFF findings estimated the total economic burden of Parkinson’s disease in the U.S. at approximately $52 billion in 2017 and projected it would reach $79 billion by 2037.^{1 2 3}

According to James Beck, PhD, senior vice president and chief scientific officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation, the increase in Parkinson’s cases is often attributed to an aging population, longer survival rates, and improved recognition of the condition. However, Beck has stated that these factors alone may not fully explain the rate of increase observed in recent decades.⁴

Emerging Research Examines Dietary Patterns and Neurological Risk

According to a 2025 study conducted by King’s College London, higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s-related symptoms, including early non-motor indicators such as sleep disturbances and cognitive changes. Ultra-processed foods are typically defined as industrial formulations containing additives, preservatives and refined ingredients not commonly used in home cooking.⁵

“In recent studies, we have seen that the consumption of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease or the early signs of Parkinson’s disease,” Dr. Torres-Russotto explained. “If we want to decrease our odds of developing the condition, we might want to start right at our table by deciding what we eat.”⁵

Researchers emphasized that additional longitudinal data are needed to determine whether dietary patterns directly influence Parkinson’s disease development. The findings echo a broader body of research examining metabolic, inflammatory and gut-brain axis pathways in neurodegenerative disease.⁵

Environmental Exposures, Including Pesticides and Herbicides, Remain Under Study

Researchers have examined potential links between Parkinson’s disease and environmental exposures, including pesticides, herbicides and industrial chemicals, some of which have been studied for neurotoxic effects. Glyphosate-based herbicides, among the most widely used agricultural chemicals in the U.S., have been the subject of ongoing regulatory and legal scrutiny.⁶

Federal policy changes have recently expanded domestic glyphosate production while also strengthening liability protections for manufacturers, limiting certain legal claims related to potential health effects. The report references ongoing scientific and regulatory debate regarding possible long-term exposure risks, though findings remain mixed and are actively debated. Glyphosate has been the subject of extensive litigation in recent years and has been classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans” by some international health agencies, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer.⁶

Additional research has examined residential proximity to areas of intensive chemical application. According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, pesticides and herbicides are applied regularly to golf courses and individuals living near golf courses had a higher incidence of Parkinson’s disease compared to those living farther away, suggesting increased exposure potential in nearby populations.⁷

Researchers have also examined synthetic turf and artificial lawn materials, which may contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other compounds studied for environmental persistence and potential biological effects. Proposed mechanisms include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation.⁷

Case Reports and Post-Injection Neurological Events

According to a case report published by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, clinicians described instances of parkinsonism, which is a broad term describing a group of neurological conditions characterized by movement-related symptoms such as tremor, slowed movement (bradykinesia), muscle stiffness and impaired balance or coordination, and cognitive dysfunction occurring following administration of a COVID shot. The report described the observed effects as “benign and transient,” though follow-up duration and long-term outcomes were not fully characterized. Case reports are considered preliminary evidence and are typically used to identify potential safety signals requiring further study.⁸

Separately, a 2025 review published in Frontiers in Public Health examined reported neurological outcomes following mRNA COVID biological administration, including symptoms such as tremor, cognitive changes and other movement-related effects documented in case reports and post-marketing surveillance systems, and called for additional pharmacovigilance (ongoing safety monitoring) and long-term follow-up to better understand potential associations. The review discussed proposed biological mechanisms, including neuroinflammatory responses and immune-mediated pathways, while noting that current evidence is largely observational and heterogeneous. The authors noted limitations in available data, including reliance on passive reporting systems and a lack of long-term follow-up, and emphasized the need for controlled studies to assess potential risk and determine causality.⁹

No Single Cause Identified as Research Expands Across Risk Factors

While Parkinson’s disease is clinically defined as a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder with no single identified cause, researchers are increasingly examining a broader range of potential contributing factors, including age, genetics, diet and environmental exposures. As the projected economic burden rises, ongoing research is expected to further evaluate how these variables may interact in the development and progression of the disease.³

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