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Descriptive Epidemiology of Parkinson’s Disease through Proxy Measures

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

Daniel Strickland ,
John M. Bertoni  and
Ronald F. Pfeiffer
Daniel Strickland*
Affiliation:
Department of Preventive and Societal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
John M. Bertoni
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Creighton University College of Medicine, Omaha
Ronald F. Pfeiffer
Affiliation:
Section of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee, Memphis
*
Epidemiology Section, Department of Preventive and Societal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 600S., 42nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska USA 68198-4350
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Abstract

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Background and Objective: In preparation for analytic study we undertook to describe areas of relative excess and deficit of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in Nebraska and tested two methodologic tools for inexpensive assessment of descriptive epidemiology of PD. Methods: In lieu of large-scale population screening and diagnosis, we obtained sales information of anti-PD drugs in the state in 1988 – 1990 as well as listings of all people dying from 1984 to 1993 who had Parkinson’s Disease mentioned anywhere on their death certificate. The anti-PD drug sales data are intended as a proxy for prevalence, while the death certificate data are intended as a proxy for incidence. Results: Sales divided by population over age 54 indicates where anti-PD drug sales differ from expected. We found high correlation of drug sales rates with several farming exposures. Age-adjusted death rates, however, showed a low degree of association with sales or farming variables. This may be attributable to differences in death certificate completion or in underlying incidence versus prevalence. Conclusions: These techniques provide a useful tool for delineating possible differences in incidence and prevalence. While not as accurate as full community survey with expert diagnosis, they are not as expensive, and can be followed by local cluster investigations and individual-level etiologic studies to test hypotheses resulting from the initial study.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 23 , Issue 4 , November 1996 , pp. 279 - 284
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1996

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