A new report from The Michael J. Fox Foundation puts the sharpest price tag yet on Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonisms: $82.2 billion in 2024 — blowing past projections more than a decade early. The analysis is the most comprehensive to date — capturing caregiving, productivity loss and prediagnosis expenses — and builds on a 2019 report that put Parkinson’s estimated cost at $52 billion in 2017.
The takeaway is stark. Parkinson’s isn’t just a health crisis — it’s a growing economic one, placing mounting pressure on individuals, families and public programs alike. And it underscores the opportunity before us — research breakthroughs can change the trajectory of this burden.
To address the rising cost of Parkinson’s will require urgent policy action and sustained research investment to build on decades of progress in understanding and treating Parkinson’s. In March, as the new report was published, 300 advocates from 49 states gathered in Washington, D.C. to push for increased federal research investment — part of a broader effort by the Foundation and its partners to turn scientific momentum into real-world impact.
That momentum is real. Parkinson’s has entered a new era of research — one focused on early detection, prevention and precision medicine — that will help curb these expanding costs.
This shift toward proactive, precision medicine could change the trajectory of the disease for millions with Parkinson’s and those at risk — and, over time, reduce the long-term human and economic burden.
Toll Growing Faster than Expected: $80 Billion
Previous estimates projected Parkinson’s would cost $80 billion annually by 2037. This report shows that threshold has already been surpassed — over a decade early.
Younger Americans Could Be Increasingly Affected
The report found higher-than-expected incidence (the number of new diagnoses) among younger adults. While this finding warrants further study, earlier disease onset can mean greater lifetime productivity losses and decades of rising costs.
Government Pays Substantial Share
Nearly 90 percent of direct medical costs are paid by federal programs, highlighting Parkinson’s growing strain on the U.S. health care system and economy. In 2024, the federal government spent over $25 billion across Medicare, Medicaid and disability programs.
Majority of Costs Are Non-medical
Of the $82.2 billion total, the majority — $58.4 billion — came from indirect and non-medical costs, including lost wages and caregiving. The other $23.8 billion reflected direct medical costs (hospitalizations, medications and outpatient care).
Impact on Care Partners Is Significant
Nearly 40 percent of people living with PD rely on unpaid care partners. In 2024, care partners experienced $8.3 billion in lost earnings and productivity as many reduced hours or left the workforce.