To assess the long-term trends in the prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability burden of Parkinson’s disease (PD) across South Asian countries from 1990 to 2023.

Parkinson’s disease is an increasingly important cause of neurological disability worldwide. However, regional estimates for South Asia remain limited despite its rapidly aging population. Understanding the temporal patterns of PD burden can guide regional healthcare planning and preventive strategies.

Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 study. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) per 100,000 population for prevalence, incidence, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and years lived with disability (YLDs) were analyzed for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Trends were evaluated using the average annual percentage change (AAPC) with 95% confidence intervals.

From 1990 to 2023, the number of PD cases in South Asia rose from 227,679 to 871,599, with prevalence increasing from 41.6 to 63.9 per 100,000 (AAPC: 1.73%; P<0.001). Incidence rose modestly (ASR: 8.2 to 9.2; AAPC: 0.34%; P<0.001), while deaths tripled, and mortality rates increased from 4.27 to 5.61 per 100,000 (AAPC: 0.86%; P<0.001). DALYs climbed from 288,574.9 to 1,223,717.3, with ASR increasing slightly (79.9 to 86.6; AAPC: 0.25%; P=0.001). YLDs also rose steadily (7.9 to 10.0 per 100,000; AAPC: 0.80%; P<0.001). Males consistently showed higher rates across all indicators.

The burden of Parkinson’s disease in South Asia has risen markedly over the past three decades, driven by population aging and improved survival. Strengthened regional strategies focusing on early detection, long-term care, and neurological health infrastructure are urgently needed to address the growing challenge.