Direct economic impact of Parkinson's disease: A research survey in the United Kingdom

The direct costs of care were evaluated prospectively in a sample of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) in the United Kingdom in 1998. The subjects were drawn from a random sample of general practitioner practices within a representative sample of 36 Regional Health Authorities and the equivalent. A total of 444 resource use questionnaires with usable data were returned (response rate, 59%). The total mean annual cost of care per patient for all patients by age was £5,993 (€9,554, n = 432). Hoehn and Yahr stage significantly ( P < 0.001) influenced expenditure by stage as follows: 0 and I, £2,971 (€4,736, n = 110); II, £3,065 (€4,886, n = 89); III, £6,183 (€9,857, n = 120); IV, £10,134 (€16,155, n = 87); V, £18,358 (€29,265, n = 17). National Health Service costs accounted for approximately 38% and social services for 34% of the direct costs of care. Drug expenditure accounted for 24% of overall costs in the <65 years age group and 10% in patients aged >85 years. A move from home to residential care was associated with an approximately 500% cost increase. In conclusion, PD imposes significant direct costs on public services and on individuals. These costs should be taken into account when allocating public funds. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society