A new study finds the economic burden of Parkinson’s is double previous estimates.

The results of a study released today show the total cost of Parkinson’s in the United States is $52 billion a year. This figure takes into account direct medical costs of $25.4 billion annually and non-medical costs of $26.5 billion annually. Non-medical costs include missed work, lost wages, early forced retirement and family caregiver time, among other factors.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), with Parkinson’s Foundation, American Parkinson Disease Association, and Parkinson Alliance, commissioned this new study, called The Economic Burden of Parkinson’s Disease. The study provides the most comprehensive assessment of the total economic burden on patients, care partners, payers, employers, healthcare systems and government programs in the United States.

To learn more about the study and how you can take action, >visit the MJFF website.