How Long Should You Expect to Live after Being Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease?
One of the first questions many people ask after learning they have Parkinson’s disease is how long they have to live. But this is a complicated question, because while Parkinson’s is a chronic condition, it isn’t a fatal one – not exactly. That being said, the secondary complications associated with Parkinson’s can cause patients to pass earlier than they would if they didn’t have the disease.
We’ll dive into all of that in more detail as we answer common questions associated with Parkinson’s and life expectancy, but the most important thing to understand is that – with comprehensive care and attention to overall health – many individuals with Parkinson’s have a life expectancy comparable to those without the disease.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
Will Parkinson’s cause me to die earlier?
First things first: it is incredibly rare that someone actually dies from Parkinson’s. Again, the disease itself isn’t fatal. So no, Parkinson’s will not cause you to die earlier.
What does threaten most patients’ lives are the medical complications that often come with Parkinson’s – things like getting severely injured because of a fall due to postural instability or contracting pneumonia. One study found that pneumonia accounts for roughly 70 percent of Parkinson’s deaths. The good news is that with vigilant medical care, many of these risks can be mitigated.
What this question is really asking, though, is whether someone with Parkinson’s should expect a shorter life than someone without the disease. Here’s what we can say: the average person with Parkinson’s tends to live almost as long as those who don’t have it – complications reduce life expectancy (again, on average) by 1-2 years.
Let’s break that down a bit further.
In its early and middle stages, Parkinson’s disease does not inherently shorten life expectancy. Various treatments and lifestyle adjustments can even allow you to maintain your quality of life for the most part. However, as the disease progresses, complications tend to become more pronounced.
In advanced stages, the secondary complications associated with Parkinson’s can lead to difficulties with mobility, increasing the risk of falls and related injuries. Additionally, muscle rigidity and swallowing issues may result in malnutrition or pneumonia.
These are the things that typically reduce patients’ life expectancy, not the disease itself. So the earlier these things come into play, the greater your chances of dying.
Are there specific things that can impact how long I’ll live with Parkinson’s?
Yes, several factors can play a role in determining life expectancy after your diagnosis. Some of the most common include:
Type of Parkinson’s. A study from 2018 found that the type of Parkinson’s you are diagnosed with – idiopathic or atypical – has a huge impact on your life expectancy. Those with idiopathic Parkinson’s (i.e. the disease has no cause) and “typical” cognitive functioning generally have a longevity that is mostly normal. However, those with atypical parkinsonism have an increased mortality rate when compared to the general population.
Age at Diagnosis. If you’re diagnosed at an older age, your symptoms are more likely to progress faster than those of younger patients.
Symptom Severity. We’ve said before that Parkinson’s is a very individualized disease, and it’s true. While some people start with milder symptoms that progress slowly, others face more severe challenges early on. Those whose symptoms are more intense early on tend to have a shorter life expectancy.
Overall Health. Do you also suffer from heart disease? Diabetes? Other chronic conditions? Your doctor might call them “comorbidities,” which simply means they are medical conditions in addition to your primary diagnosis that can impact your health. People with other conditions on top of Parkinson’s often have a lower life expectancy.
Access to Treatment. Comprehensive care, including medications like levodopa and therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, can significantly improve quality of life – which will potentially extend someone’s longevity. This isn’t just conjecture, either. A 2021 study published in JAMA Neurology highlighted that individuals with Parkinson’s who received early and consistent treatment had a life expectancy close to that of the general population. Bottom line: consistent, comprehensive treatment matters.
Support Systems. The presence of a strong support network, including family, caregivers, and access to medical professionals, typically contributes to better management of the disease and a longer lifespan.
Can I do anything to improve my life expectancy?
Again, yes! There are numerous actions you can take to increase your likelihood of living longer with Parkinson’s. The most successful include:
Taking Your Medicine. Regular intake of prescribed medication helps in managing symptoms effectively. This makes it less likely that you will suffer from any of those secondary complications we mentioned above.
Going to Therapy. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies play a significant role in maintaining functional independence and preventing complications.
Getting Physical Activity. Exercise programs tailored for individuals with Parkinson’s can enhance mobility, balance, and overall health. Some even claim that exercise can reverse the progression of Parkinson’s, but the jury is still out on that one.
Improving Nutrition. A balanced diet can help you maintain your energy levels and support overall health.
Routinely Monitoring Your Health. Regular check-ups can identify and address complications early.
