Disparities in Parkinson's Disease: Minorities Face Greater Challenges in the UK

Recent findings from a comprehensive study conducted in East London reveal significant disparities in the experience and impact of Parkinson’s disease (PD) among minority ethnic groups compared to their White counterparts. Researchers from the East London Parkinson’s Disease Project, led by Dr. Anjali Zirra from Queen Mary University of London, discovered that South Asian and Black patients with Parkinson's disease suffer from more severe motor and cognitive symptoms than White patients, despite having similar access to diagnostic services.

The study, published in the journal *npj Parkinson’s Disease* on June 18, 2025, utilized data collected from 318 participants, including 218 diagnosed PD patients and 90 healthy controls, from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The research aimed to elucidate clinical outcomes and differences in the age of diagnosis across these ethnic groups. Notably, 75% of Black patients and 73% of South Asian patients exhibited cognitive impairment, compared to only 45% of White patients. Furthermore, the severity of motor symptoms, assessed through the Movement Disorders Society - Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), indicated poorer outcomes for minority groups, with average motor scores of 42.2 for Black patients and 47.0 for South Asians, compared to 35.2 for White patients.

Dr. Zirra emphasized the importance of culturally sensitive healthcare approaches, stating, "Our findings highlight that even with equal access to diagnosis, the outcomes for South Asian and Black patients are disproportionately worse. This suggests that factors beyond mere access to care are influencing these disparities."

The methodology employed in the study included demographic data collection and standardized clinical assessments, ensuring a robust analysis of the participants' health statuses. The researchers used validated tools such as the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) for motor function evaluations and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for cognitive performance assessments.

Historically, research on Parkinson’s disease has predominantly focused on White, Western European populations, leading to a significant gap in understanding how the disease affects diverse ethnic groups. Dr. Kunal Dey, a neurologist at the National Health Service, noted that, "This study challenges the assumption that Parkinson's disease presents uniformly across different racial groups and underscores the urgent need for inclusive research and tailored treatments."

Additionally, the study indicated that South Asian patients might experience earlier onset of symptoms, although the time from symptom onset to diagnosis remained consistent across all ethnicities, suggesting equal awareness of PD symptoms. The results raise critical questions regarding the influences of genetics, environmental factors, and socioeconomic status on the progression of Parkinson’s disease among minority populations.

Dr. Sarah Johnson, a public health expert at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, commented on the implications of the findings, stating, "These disparities reflect broader social determinants of health that must be addressed if we are to provide equitable healthcare for all patients. Policies need to focus on incorporating cultural competency into medical training and practice."

In light of these findings, the researchers advocate for urgent policy reforms aimed at improving access to culturally appropriate care and enhancing the quality of life for marginalized groups affected by Parkinson's disease. They emphasize that further longitudinal studies are essential to explore the underlying causes of these disparities and to develop effective interventions. The evidence presented in this study is a call to action for healthcare systems to recognize and bridge the gaps in care experienced by minority populations, ultimately striving for a more equitable healthcare landscape in the UK.

The full study can be accessed in the *npj Parkinson's Disease* journal, DOI: 10.1038/s41531-025-01031-x.