Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement, causing symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. It also involves non-motor symptoms like depression, anxiety, and cognitive changes. While there is currently no cure, various treatments and care strategies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
In Delaware, the survivability of Parkinson’s disease reflects both the challenges and advances in managing this condition. Over the past five years, Delaware has experienced a notable increase in Parkinson’s-related deaths—about a 34% rise—indicating that more people are living with the disease long enough for it to become a significant cause of mortality. Despite this increase, Delaware’s Parkinson’s mortality rate remains relatively low compared to other states, with about 8.6 deaths per 100,000 people in 2023, ranking it ninth lowest among all U.S. states. This suggests that while the disease is becoming more prevalent or better diagnosed, survival times may be improving or other factors are influencing mortality rates.
Several factors influence survivability in Parkinson’s disease, including access to specialized care, early diagnosis, and effective symptom management. Delaware benefits from access to Parkinson’s Centers of Excellence and specialized neurological care, which provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual needs. These centers emphasize multidisciplinary approaches, combining medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sometimes surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation (DBS), which has been shown to reduce symptoms by 50% or more in many patients.
Mobility and activity levels also play a crucial role in survivability. Studies have shown that Parkinson’s patients who maintain frequent physical activity, even during hospital stays, have shorter hospitalizations and better outcomes, including a significantly lower risk of death within 30 to 90 days after discharge. This highlights the importance of ongoing physical therapy and active lifestyle choices in managing the disease and extending survival.
The increasing number of Parkinson’s deaths in Delaware may partly reflect an aging population, as Parkinson’s risk rises with age, and improved diagnostic awareness leading to more accurate reporting. Additionally, metabolic health factors, such as metabolic syndrome, have been linked to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s, suggesting that broader public health measures addressing lifestyle and metabolic conditions could impact future survivability.
While Parkinson’s disease remains a serious and progressive illness, Delaware’s healthcare infrastructure, including access to specialized care and emphasis on active management, supports better outcomes for many patients. Continued advances in research, treatment options, and community support are essential to further improve survivability and quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s in Delaware and beyond.
