Practices, Resources and Challenges in Parkinson's Disease Management in Asia: Movement Disorders in Asia Study Group...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Parkinson's disease (PD) prevalence is rising in Asia.
• Comprehensive PD care infrastructure is urgently needed.
• Understanding regional and income-based disparities is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess PD management resources and facilities across Asian regions and income levels.
• Focus on South East Asia, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, East Asia, and Central Asia.
• Categorization by high-income countries (HIC), upper middle-income countries (UMIC), and lower middle-income countries (LMIC).

Main Methods:

• A survey-based questionnaire was distributed to neurologists and affiliate societies in 32 Asian countries.
• Data collected on availability and accessibility of healthcare professionals, medications, and facilities.
• Analysis focused on regional and income-based comparisons.

Main Results:

• Thirty countries participated, revealing significant disparities.
• HICs demonstrated superior availability and accessibility of healthcare professionals.
• Central Asia had the lowest accessibility; PD nurses were least available (33.3%) and accessible (6.7%).
• Levodopa and anticholinergics were universally available, accessible, and affordable.
• Device-aid therapies were more prevalent in East Asia.
• Allied health professional accessibility was poor (43%).
• Genetic testing was available in 60% of countries, primarily in HICs.
• Community engagement (70%) and telemedicine (70%) were utilized.
• Brain banks were scarce (24.1%), mainly in HICs.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to detail regional and income-based infrastructure disparities for comprehensive PD care in Asia.
• Collaborations between HICs and middle-income countries (MICs) are recommended to address these inequalities.
• Targeted interventions are needed to improve PD care access and resources across Asia.