# CE2004084EN.01017901.xml

| 3.4.2004 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 84/179 |
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3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 84/179

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(2004/C 84 E/0219)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0242/04

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(2 February 2004)

Subject:   Parkinson's disease

Subject:

According to the World Health Organisation, worldwide there are an estimated 4 million people suffering from Parkinson's disease. In Europe, the overall prevalence of the disease is estimated to be 1,6 per 100 in persons over 65 years of age. One person in 500 develops the disease, which already makes it the fourth most common disorder of the nervous system, after epilepsy, cerebrovascular diseases and Alzheimer's disease. The situation is worsening as a result of the ageing of the population — in 2020 there will be 40 percent more people over the age of 75 in Europe compared to 1990, which is likely to make Parkinson's disease a public health priority, with a significant increase in health costs. One of the most effective surgical treatments available is deep brain stimulation. A medical device similar to a cardiac pacemaker is implanted and used to transmit electrical stimulation to a specific area of the deep brain to treat the disabling symptoms of the disease. The degree of stimulation can be regulated and the effects are reversible. The percentage of patients who have access to this innovative treatment is very small. In Switzerland, for instance, it is 29,4 %, in France 9,8 %, in Spain 8,4 %, in Germany 5,2 % and in the United Kingdom 4,6 %. In Italy the percentage of patients offered treatment is 5 %.

| 1. | Is the Commission aware of these figures, which reflect an emergency health problem in Europe? |
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1.

Is the Commission aware of these figures, which reflect an emergency health problem in Europe?

| 2. | Has the Commission made arrangements, in cooperation with the health services of the Member States, to monitor the incidence of Parkinson's disease in the European population? |
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2.

Has the Commission made arrangements, in cooperation with the health services of the Member States, to monitor the incidence of Parkinson's disease in the European population?

| 3. | Does the Commission consider it necessary to launch an information campaign on Parkinson's disease in view of the advisability of early treatment to slow down progression of the disease? |
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3.

Does the Commission consider it necessary to launch an information campaign on Parkinson's disease in view of the advisability of early treatment to slow down progression of the disease?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(27 February 2004)

(27 February 2004)

| 1. | The prevalence of Parkinson's disease rises from 0,6 % at age 65 to 3,5 % at age 85 and above, with no great difference between men and women. It is one of the most common neuro-degenerative diseases of the elderly. The differences between countries do not seem to be significant (data available for Spain, France, Italy and the Netherlands, 1997) (Source: Public health in the EU, Sanco C, 2003).
  There is no convincing evidence of differences in rates of prevalence in the countries of Europe. Estimates suggest that approximately 400 000 men and 540 000 women of 65 and above living in the EU have Parkinson's disease. However, a substantial proportion of patients with Parkinson's disease remains undetected among the general population.
  The Commission funded a study in 1998 on hospital discharges in certain EU countries for Alzheimer's and other neuro-degenerative diseases (including Parkinson's), but covering different periods. The results show the degree of hospitalisation for Parkinson's disease to be very low.
  Parkinson's disease represents a serious health situation, as indeed do all the other disabling diseases associated with the ageing of the population. Moreover, ‘health and ageing’ is actually one of the priority themes in the Community Public Health Programme work plan 2004, strand 1, Health Information. |
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1.

The prevalence of Parkinson's disease rises from 0,6 % at age 65 to 3,5 % at age 85 and above, with no great difference between men and women. It is one of the most common neuro-degenerative diseases of the elderly. The differences between countries do not seem to be significant (data available for Spain, France, Italy and the Netherlands, 1997) (Source: Public health in the EU, Sanco C, 2003).

There is no convincing evidence of differences in rates of prevalence in the countries of Europe. Estimates suggest that approximately 400 000 men and 540 000 women of 65 and above living in the EU have Parkinson's disease. However, a substantial proportion of patients with Parkinson's disease remains undetected among the general population.

The Commission funded a study in 1998 on hospital discharges in certain EU countries for Alzheimer's and other neuro-degenerative diseases (including Parkinson's), but covering different periods. The results show the degree of hospitalisation for Parkinson's disease to be very low.

Parkinson's disease represents a serious health situation, as indeed do all the other disabling diseases associated with the ageing of the population. Moreover, ‘health and ageing’ is actually one of the priority themes in the Community Public Health Programme work plan 2004, strand 1, Health Information.

| 2. | Apart from the abovementioned initiatives, the theme of neuro-degenerative diseases (including Parkinson's) was not addressed, or was addressed only very marginally, in the previous health surveillance programme (the sole exception was Alzheimer's disease).
  The new Community Public Health Programme 2003-2008 provides for the implementation of a disease information and surveillance system. A specific working group on major and chronic diseases has been set up, and its work will cover, ‘inter alia’, neuro-degenerative diseases. |
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2.

Apart from the abovementioned initiatives, the theme of neuro-degenerative diseases (including Parkinson's) was not addressed, or was addressed only very marginally, in the previous health surveillance programme (the sole exception was Alzheimer's disease).

The new Community Public Health Programme 2003-2008 provides for the implementation of a disease information and surveillance system. A specific working group on major and chronic diseases has been set up, and its work will cover, ‘inter alia’, neuro-degenerative diseases.

| 3. | The Community Public Health Programme opens up funding opportunities for activities designed to implement the Programme's objectives. A call for proposals is due to be published shortly. |
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3.

The Community Public Health Programme opens up funding opportunities for activities designed to implement the Programme's objectives. A call for proposals is due to be published shortly.

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