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Parkinson's disease among American Indians and Alaska natives: a nationwide prevalence study
Paul H Gordon1, Jason M Mehal, Robert C Holman
1Indian Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Northern Navajo Medical Center, Shiprock, New Mexico 87420, USA. paul.gordon@ihs.gov
Background:
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people.
Methods:
We analyzed records for AI/AN people between 2002 and 2009 using inpatient and outpatient visit data from the Indian Health Service. Crude and age-adjusted prevalence, using the 2000 projected US population as the standard, was determined overall and by age group, sex, period, and region.
Results:
An estimated 2613 AI/AN people carried the diagnosis of PD (crude prevalence, 143.8/100,000). Prevalence increased with age through 84 years. The age-adjusted rate was 355.7 and was higher among men than women (P < .0001). Rates differed by region (P < .0001).
Conclusions:
Parkinson's disease is prevalent among AI/AN people. The prevalence increases with age, varies by geographic region, and is higher among men than women. Community-based studies are needed to define incidence, examine risk factors, and determine reasons for sex and regional differences in PD among AI/AN people.
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