The Missing NCD: Reframing Parkinson’s Disease as a Mental Health and Equity Challenge
1
Department of Human Anatomy, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurological disorder worldwide, yet remains largely absent from public health and mental health equity frameworks. People living with PD often experience the “triple invisibility” of neurological stigma, underrecognized depression and anxiety, and exclusion from chronic disease and ageing policies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
METHODS:
A narrative scoping review was conducted to synthesize global evidence on inequities in the mental health dimensions of PD. Peer-reviewed literature published between 2010 and 2025 was identified from databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, complemented by gray literature and WHO policy documents. Eligible studies included epidemiological, qualitative, and policy analyses addressing mental health comorbidities, access to care, or systemic inequities related to PD. Thematic synthesis was applied to qualitative findings to identify recurring barriers and lived experiences of exclusion.
RESULTS:
Across regions, consistent inequities in both recognition and management of mental health symptoms in PD were evident. Depression and anxiety were commonly misattributed to disease progression, leading to chronic underdiagnosis and limited psychosocial intervention. In LMICs, delayed diagnosis, poor health literacy, and inadequate service coverage compounded barriers to care. Policy mapping showed that few national mental health strategies or NCD frameworks explicitly include neurodegenerative disorders. Qualitative evidence revealed the social burden of PD, stigma, caregiver strain, and loss of autonomy, reflecting systemic neglect at multiple levels.
CONCLUSIONS:
Parkinson’s disease exemplifies the overlooked intersection between neurology, mental health, and equity. Integrating neurodegenerative disorders into public mental health and NCD frameworks is essential for inclusive, equitable health systems. Recognizing PD as a public health priority redefines health equity for ageing populations in the 21st century.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurological disorder worldwide, yet remains largely absent from public health and mental health equity frameworks. People living with PD often experience the “triple invisibility” of neurological stigma, underrecognized depression and anxiety, and exclusion from chronic disease and ageing policies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
METHODS:
A narrative scoping review was conducted to synthesize global evidence on inequities in the mental health dimensions of PD. Peer-reviewed literature published between 2010 and 2025 was identified from databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, complemented by gray literature and WHO policy documents. Eligible studies included epidemiological, qualitative, and policy analyses addressing mental health comorbidities, access to care, or systemic inequities related to PD. Thematic synthesis was applied to qualitative findings to identify recurring barriers and lived experiences of exclusion.
RESULTS:
Across regions, consistent inequities in both recognition and management of mental health symptoms in PD were evident. Depression and anxiety were commonly misattributed to disease progression, leading to chronic underdiagnosis and limited psychosocial intervention. In LMICs, delayed diagnosis, poor health literacy, and inadequate service coverage compounded barriers to care. Policy mapping showed that few national mental health strategies or NCD frameworks explicitly include neurodegenerative disorders. Qualitative evidence revealed the social burden of PD, stigma, caregiver strain, and loss of autonomy, reflecting systemic neglect at multiple levels.
CONCLUSIONS:
Parkinson’s disease exemplifies the overlooked intersection between neurology, mental health, and equity. Integrating neurodegenerative disorders into public mental health and NCD frameworks is essential for inclusive, equitable health systems. Recognizing PD as a public health priority redefines health equity for ageing populations in the 21st century.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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