Prevalence, demographic characteristics of Parkinson disease and associated comorbidities: An analysis of the Colombian Ministry of Health official registry

Abstract

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with social and economic impact. This study estimated its prevalence and comorbidities in Colombia using data from the Ministry of Health’s information system, providing insight into its distribution and burden on the population. Materials and methods: Data from the RIPS (2018–2022) was analyzed for individuals aged ≥50 years, categorized by sex, age, and geographic location. Comorbidities such as sleep apnea, urinary incontinence, dementia, and depression were assessed, calculating prevalence ratios (PR) for each condition. Results: The crude prevalence was 5.42 per 1,000 inhabitants aged ≥50 years (men: 6.65; women: 4.42) and 9.87 per 1,000 aged ≥65 years (men: 12.01; women: 8.15). The highest prevalences were in Atlántico, Santander, and Valle del Cauca. PRs were 3.7 for depression, 2.9 for urinary incontinence, 2.4 for sleep apnea, and 14.3 for dementia, highlighting a significant comorbidity burden. Discussion: PD prevalence in Colombia aligns with international studies, being more frequent in men and older adults. The strong association with comorbidities underscores the need for a comprehensive approach. Limitations include potential underreporting and diagnostic variability, but the use of national data provides a representative perspective. Conclusions: PD in Colombia shows high prevalence and multiple comorbidities, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary strategies to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient quality of life.