The Epidemiology of Parkinsonism in Alaska Native People

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of parkinsonism in Alaska Native people. Methods: This was a population based, prospective and retrospective, descriptive study of parkinsonism in Alaska Native people. Cases were identified using ICD-9 codes 332.0 and 333.0 within the Alaska Tribal Health System. Records were reviewed and cases of neurodegenerative parkinsonism were included in the study. Results: Between 1/1/2000 and 12/31/2013 there were 145 cases identified. Mean age of onset was 60.8 ± 13.0 years and 51% were male. Age adjusted prevalence of typical parkinsonism was 238.9 per 100,000 and incidence was 16.2 per 100,000 person years. Prevalence and incidence increased with age through 84 years. Age adjusted prevalence was higher in men than women (p = 0.12). There were 129 (89%) typical cases and 16 (11%) atypical cases. A majority of the cohort (63%) lived in rural communities. Conclusion: This is the first epidemiologic study of parkinsonism in Alaska Native people. The disorder was rare before the age of 50 with a similar occurrence in men and women.