What Is the Life Expectancy of Someone with Parkinson's Disease?

When someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, one of the first and most pressing questions that often arises is: What is the life expectancy of someone with Parkinson's disease? While Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition, advances in treatment and supportive care have helped many people live long, meaningful lives with the disease.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease and Life Expectancy
Parkinson’s disease primarily affects the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential for coordinating movement. As the disease progresses, it can lead to a range of motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement, along with non-motor symptoms like sleep disturbances, depression, and cognitive changes.

So, what is the life expectancy of someone with Parkinson's disease? The answer isn’t straightforward because it depends on several factors, including the individual’s age at diagnosis, overall health, type of Parkinsonism, and how the disease progresses. However, research has shown that many individuals with Parkinson’s disease have a near-normal or slightly reduced life expectancy, particularly when diagnosed later in life.
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According to recent studies, people diagnosed with Parkinson’s after age 60 often live about 10–20 years post-diagnosis. Those diagnosed at a younger age (under 50) tend to live longer, although they may experience a more prolonged progression of symptoms.

What Influences Life Expectancy with Parkinson’s?

Several key factors can influence how Parkinson’s impacts lifespan:

• Age at diagnosis: Younger individuals tend to have a longer life expectancy.
• Symptom severity and progression: Some people experience a slow progression, while others face more rapid decline.
• Presence of other health conditions: Heart disease, diabetes, or stroke can affect outcomes.
• Access to care and support: Ongoing medical care, physical therapy, mental health support, and community programs can make a significant difference.

Importantly, many people with Parkinson’s do not die directly from the disease itself. Instead, complications like falls, infections (such as pneumonia), or cardiovascular issues may be contributing factors. This highlights the importance of managing symptoms proactively and seeking comprehensive care. 

Living Well with Parkinson’s
A Parkinson’s diagnosis is life-changing, but with the right support, it’s possible to maintain quality of life for many years. That’s where organizations like the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) make a vital difference.

For over twenty-five years, PASWFL has provided effective programs and services that improve the quality of life, educate, enrich, and empower our Southwest Floridians touched by Parkinson’s disease and related neurological disorders. Each week, PASWFL offers more than 25 free programs and support groups for people with PD and their care partners. These services are entirely free of charge, and becoming a member is simple.

To learn more, sign up for their newsletter — click here
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For resources, support, and a strong community, visit: www.parkinsonassociationswfl.org