From the Guidelines
The life expectancy of a patient with Parkinson's disease is typically reduced by 5 to 10 years compared to the general population. This reduction in life expectancy is influenced by various factors, including age at diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and the presence of other health conditions 1. Patients diagnosed at an older age, such as in their 70s or 80s, may have a more limited life expectancy than those diagnosed in their 50s or 60s.
Factors Influencing Life Expectancy
- Age at diagnosis: Earlier diagnosis tends to be associated with a longer life expectancy
- Severity of symptoms: More severe symptoms can lead to a shorter life expectancy
- Presence of other health conditions: Comorbidities can significantly impact life expectancy
- Effectiveness of treatment and management: Modern treatments like levodopa, dopamine agonists, and deep brain stimulation can improve outcomes and potentially extend quality life years 1
Disease Progression and Management
The progression of Parkinson's disease varies significantly among individuals, with some experiencing a slow decline over decades while others may decline more rapidly. Regular medical care, proper medication management, physical therapy, and maintaining overall health are crucial for better outcomes and potentially longer survival. It's also important to monitor and manage weight, as weight loss is a common feature of Parkinson's disease and can be associated with disease progression 1.
Key Considerations for Improved Outcomes
- Regular monitoring of body weight and nutritional assessment
- Active monitoring of vitamin status, particularly vitamin D, and consideration of supplementation
- Management of homocysteine levels through vitamin B12 and folate administration
- Avoidance of unnecessary supplementation with antioxidants like vitamin E or coenzyme Q10, as they have shown no clinical benefit 1
From the Research
Life Expectancy of Patients with Parkinson's Disease
- The average duration of Parkinson's disease is 10 years, although with a considerable range 2.
- The disease shortens life expectancy, which can be restored at least partially by treating patients with levodopa and other modern drugs 2.
- A median time of 9 years between diagnosis and death has been reported 3.
- A study found that deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease is associated with a 10-year survival rate of 51% 4.
- The natural course of the disease leads to severe handicap or death within 10-15 years, but life expectancy has improved with dopaminergic drug therapy 5.
- Parkinson's disease affects 1%-2% of individuals older than 60 years and is the 14th leading cause of death in the United States 6.
Factors Affecting Life Expectancy
- Age at onset: Onset at an older age may be associated with a faster progression rate and the development of cognitive failure 2.
- Type of disease: The tremor-dominant type of the disease usually has a more favourable prognosis than the hypokinetic type 2.
- Treatment: Initiating treatment at a relatively early stage of the disease can increase life expectancy 2.
- Age at implantation and male sex are predictive of reduced survival in patients with deep brain stimulation 4.