How Long Can You Live With Parkinson's Disease? Understanding Life Expectancy
Parkinson’s disease is misunderstood as a fatal disease. Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are concerned about their life expectancy. In reality, individuals with this disease live as long as normal people without the disease.
What is Parkinson’s disease? It’s a disorder of the nervous system affecting mental ability and mobility. How long can you live with Parkinson’s disease? In this blog, we discuss the different stages, factors affecting life expectancy, and treatment options to improve the quality of life.
How long can you live with Parkinson's disease?
Most people have a near-normal or average life expectancy. Studies show that, on average, people tend to live up to 81 years, which is the life expectancy of an average individual. The disease isn’t fatal, but related complications can reduce the life span by 1 to 2 years. Modern treatments and medications significantly reduce the severity of these complications. Several factors influence the life expectancy of a person with Parkinson’s disease.
Compiling a few facts based on the research on the life expectancy of people with Parkinson’s disease
- Life expectancy depends on the type of Parkinson’s disorder
- People with normal cognitive function and Parkinson’s disease have an expected lifespan
- Diagnosis before 70 years can reduce life span
- Asian and Black people have reduced life expectancy
- A person’s age and access to health care reduce the life expectancy
- People diagnosed with atypical parkinsonism have an increased mortality rate.
What are the stages of Parkinson's Disease?
Stage 1
People have mild symptoms at this stage, which are unlikely to affect their life expectancy. The early symptoms are shakes or tremors and changes in facial expressions, posture, and gait.
Stage 2
In stage 2, the disease becomes noticeable, affecting daily activities. Here, it’s unlikely to affect life expectancy. A few stage 2 symptoms include muscle stiffness, speech difficulties, difficulty walking, and noticeable posture changes.
Stage 3
In stage 3, people experience great difficulty in movement and balance. Falls are common in this stage, and the disease may hamper their daily activities. Frequent falls may cause injuries and other complications.
Stage 4
In stage 4, people need physical support to carry out their daily activities. They can stand without assistance but require support for other tasks. Complications due to falling may affect life expectancy.
Stage 5
In stage 5, people find it difficult to walk or stand; they prefer wheelchairs for movement. Delusions or hallucinations are common in this stage. People are prone to injuries that cause complications or can be fatal. However, most people have an average life expectancy at this stage.
Factors influencing life expectancy of Parkinson's patients
Falls
Falls are common in Parkinson’s disorder, and it starts increasing in stage 3. Falls cause concussions and broken bones. A severe fall and its complications can impact your life span.
Age
Age is another crucial factor that influences life span. Most diagnoses happen after 70 years, and you’re prone to more falls and develop other diseases.
Sex
As per the research, males have a higher chance of developing Parkinson’s disease, but the reason is not specific. On the other hand, females with this disease have a rapid progression, which affects their lifespan.
Treatment
Advancements in medications and treatment have significantly reduced complications and improved life expectancy.
What are the treatment options for increased life expectancy?
Treatment for Stage 1
- Physical therapy to reduce muscle stiffness
- Regular exercise to improve flexibility and balance
- Having a balanced diet with fiber-rich foods
- Drink plenty of water
- Medications
Treatment for stage 2
- Exercise and physical therapy
- Training from an occupational therapist
- Medications like Dopamine agonists, Carbidopa-levodopa, and other drugs to minimize problems with tremors and movement
- Reduce anxiety and stress with meditation, yoga, massage therapy, art therapy, etc.
Treatment for stage 3
- Medications like carbidopa-levodopa are not very effective as the disease progresses.
- Exercise, diet, and physical therapy
- Occupational therapy and speech therapy
- Alternative therapies
Treatment for stages 4 and 5
These are the advanced stages; some treatments may be less effective. However, if they provide little benefit, doctors will continue medications.
Deep Brain Stimulation, or DBS, is a surgical procedure where electrodes are implanted in the brain to emit electrical pulses to reduce symptoms.
By carefully considering your symptoms and the results of these tests, Dr. Miguel can work towards an accurate diagnosis and develop a tailored multiple sclerosis treatment in Dubai.
Live Struggle-free! Consult Dr. Miguel Ley Nacher for the best Parkinson's disease treatment in Dubai.
Parkinson’s disease isn’t fatal, but several complications, like falls and infections, can be fatal. Consulting a neurologist can significantly reduce the complications and improve your life expectancy.
Dr. Miguel Ley Nacher, a renowned neurologist in Dubai, offers cutting-edge treatments and compassionate services to empower patients with Parkinson’s disorder.
So, how long can you live with Parkinson’s disease? Start your journey with Dr. Miguel Ley Nacher and live as long as ordinary people without this condition.
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