Parkinson’s can affect life expectancy, but many live long lives with proper treatment and support. Early diagnosis can make a big difference.
Life expectancy and disease progression
Parkinson’s disease is a slowly progressing neurological condition. For many, the disease course spans several decades. Statistically, it may shorten life expectancy slightly, but the difference is often less than many people assume. Advances in treatment and care mean that people with Parkinson’s today live significantly longer than just a few decades ago (1).
Factors that influence life expectancy
Several factors can affect life expectancy in Parkinson’s:
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Age at diagnosis – Younger patients often have a slower disease progression.
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Overall health – Other medical conditions and lifestyle factors play a major role.
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Treatment – Effective medication and rehabilitation can slow symptom progression and reduce complications.
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Complications – Issues such as falls, pneumonia, or swallowing difficulties can impact life expectancy more than the disease itself.
Statistics and research
Research shows that many people with Parkinson’s live almost as long as the general population, especially if the disease is detected early and treated consistently (2). For some, life expectancy may be reduced by a few years, particularly with late diagnoses or severe complications.
What can you do yourself?
While Parkinson’s cannot be cured, there are many steps you can take to live longer and better:
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Follow your treatment plan closely.
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Exercise regularly to maintain strength, balance, and fitness.
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Eat a nutritious diet and avoid malnutrition.
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Prevent falls through home adjustments and balance training.
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Seek medical care early for infections or other urgent health problems.
Safety alarm with automatic fall alarm can increase safety for people with an increased risk of falling
Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people who have an increased risk of falling. The personal alarm can automatically trigger the alarm in the event of a fall and then call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app.
