Parkinsonism in Canada, including Parkinson Disease: Data blog

About parkinsonism

Parkinsonism refers to a group of conditions, including Parkinson disease, with movement-related symptoms. Of these, Parkinson disease makes up the majority of cases. Current scientific research shows that Parkinson disease results from a unique combination of genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and other factors.^{Footnote 1},^{Footnote 2} Other forms of parkinsonism may be caused by brain injuries, other neurological disorders, certain medications, toxins, or genetic factors.^{Footnote 1},^{Footnote 2} Recognizing the symptoms of parkinsonism is important for timely diagnosis and intervention.

There are several symptoms associated with parkinsonism and not everyone will experience them all. Individuals with parkinsonism often experience motor and non-motor symptoms, which may include:^{Footnote 1}

Motor symptoms

• Tremors
• Muscle stiffness
• Slowed movements
• Difficulties with balance and posture

Non-motor symptoms

• Pain
• Sleep disorders
• Loss of sense of smell
• Depression and anxiety
• Psychosis
• Memory loss and dementia
• Constipation
• Urinary and sexual dysfunction

A range of treatments can help manage symptoms. These include medications, exercises, deep brain stimulation, and physical, occupational or speech therapy.^{Footnote 2},^{Footnote 3} If you or someone close to you is experiencing symptoms of parkinsonism, it is important to talk to a health care provider.

Data^{Footnote *} (fiscal year 2022-2023) show that:

• 530 out of every 100,000 people in Canada aged 40 years and older live with parkinsonism.
  • Of them, nearly 3 out of 5 are men.

• On average, 38 people in Canada are diagnosed with parkinsonism every day.
  • The risk of developing parkinsonism generally increases with age. Almost 8 out of 10 people are diagnosed after the age of 65.

Between 2012-2013 and 2022-2023:

Taking into account the aging of the population over time, the proportion of people in Canada aged 40 years and older living with parkinsonism remained relatively stable, but the number of people living with parkinsonism has increased from about 81,000 in 2012-2013 to about 111,000 in 2022-2023.