People diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease can generally expect to live between 15 and 25 years after their diagnosis. This means Parkinson’s is often considered a long-term, chronic condition rather than one that drastically shortens life expectancy immediately. The actual life expectancy depends on several factors, including how well the patient responds to treatment and whether serious complications develop[1].
Parkinson’s disease progresses through stages, with the most advanced being Stage 5. At this stage, patients usually require a wheelchair and around-the-clock care to prevent falls and assist with daily activities. Muscle stiffness often makes walking or standing impossible. Cognitive symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, and dementia are common in these later stages, along with difficulties swallowing (dysphagia), which can increase the risk of complications[1].
While Parkinson’s itself does not directly reduce life expectancy, complications like severe swallowing problems, dementia, and frequent falls that lead to fractures can increase mortality risk in advanced stages. Early diagnosis and effective management of symptoms and complications can help improve quality of life and potentially extend survival[1].
For younger people diagnosed with Parkinson’s, known as early-onset Parkinson’s (typically between ages 21 and 40), life expectancy tends to be longer. This is because the disease progresses more slowly in younger patients, who often have fewer other health problems and respond better to treatments such as neurological physical therapy[1].
Survival rates show that about 64% of people with Parkinson’s survive five years after diagnosis, which is better than other degenerative parkinsonism disorders. However, mortality rates increase with age and disease progression[2][3].
Ongoing research and new treatments aim to improve symptoms and slow disease progression, which may positively impact life expectancy in the future. Advances like continuous dopamine infusion therapies and novel drugs are showing promise in reducing motor fluctuations and improving daily functioning[6].
Sources
https://www.institutoclavel.com/en/blog/is-there-a-relationship-between-parkinsons-and-life-expectancy
https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mdc3.70368
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41239380/
https://www.delveinsight.com/blog/parkinsons-disease-treatment-market
