Overview
- The World Health Organization, in reports tied to Saturday’s World Parkinson Day, said prevalence has doubled in 25 years to more than 8.5 million and linked the disease to 329,000 deaths a year.
- In Mexico, specialists warned cases could climb by up to 171% by 2050, citing rapid aging, pesticide and solvent exposure, and diagnoses that often come more than seven years after first symptoms.
- Argentina reports roughly 100,000 people living with Parkinson’s and a patient group has opened free genetic studies at multiple hospitals, including Fernández, San Martín de La Plata and Fleni, to boost research and access.
- Health services urged earlier checks as diagnosis rests on a doctor’s exam and non‑motor clues like sleep problems, constipation or loss of smell can surface years before tremor, with new pushes from IMSS Jalisco and neurologists in Catamarca.
- Treatment remains symptom‑focused with medication, rehabilitation and, in selected cases, deep brain stimulation that can cut motor problems by up to 70%, as centers expand capabilities and awareness efforts like Mexico City’s Spark The Night light‑ups confront stigma and highlight young‑onset cases reported in Spain.