Looking at Research on Life Expectancy with Parkinson’s

When my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013, I responded with denial. I assumed that, if he really had it, his life would be snuffed out too soon.

That was just a possibility that I was unwilling to accept. How could I lose him before his time? And was it possible that more than 10 million people worldwide could be burdened with this possible reality, too?¹

I recently took a look at some research to determine if life expectancy is different for those with Parkinson’s disease. And here’s what I found.

Typical lifespan

Many previous studies have shown a decrease life expectancy in Parkinson's - but those studies often took place in hospitals or places where reduced lifespans were likely.

A more recent source I looked at found that, for the most part, life expectancy seems unaffected by the diagnosis.²

The Swedish study that was published in 2018 stated: "Patients with Parkinson's disease presenting with normal cognitive function seem to have a largely normal life expectancy.²

It seems that the disease itself, does not cause a premature death. But it does contribute to the development of symptoms that may heighten vulnerability. And, of course, those with more complicated versions of Parkinson’s or multiple diagnosis may have the highest mortality rate.³

Impact of symptoms

Parkinson's disease commonly impacts those who have it by making it difficult to perform standard tasks. Rigidity of gait, changes to speech, and other symptoms can impact quality of life.

It doesn’t appear to show the Parkinson’s causes death. However, many of the difficulties that are presented over the course of the disease may also increase the odds of becoming infected with pneumonia or falling.⁴

Unfortunately, I've already seen these struggles begin to develop within my dad. He, too, struggles with muscle rigidity and freezing episodes. And his daily tasks are greatly influenced by Parkinson's.

Overall, contemporary research seems to suggest that people with Parkinson’s disease have a standard life expectancy. Barring extenuating circumstances or comorbidities, it may be possible to live a long and prosperous life.

Research that disagrees

As is usually the case in science, not all of the research is in alignment. The Journal of Movement Disorders published an analysis in December of 2020 that showed that there may be a small difference between the life expectancy of people with Parkinson’s and those without.⁵

Researchers collected data on people with Parkinson's in Australia for 20 years and analysis found that mortality in Parkinson's is increased. For people with Parkinson's, the average age of death was about 78 years old. The average age of death for those in the control group who did not have Parkinson's was about 80 years old.⁵

Deep brain stimulation was linked to a lower mortality rate. And sex, and onset age can also be predictor for life expectancy. Typically, the earlier onset cases tend to predict an earlier death.⁵

Hopeful for my dad

I’m not an expert or a scientist of any kind. But I remain hopeful that my dad will have the ability to live a happy and full life even after his diagnosis. Today, he’s 67 years old. He wears a large smile on his face when you greet him. And he passes the time optimistically.

I'm proud of the strength he exhibits when facing Parkinson's disease, and I'm hopeful that I'll get to keep him in my life for as long as possible.

While the science is somewhat divided, it appears to be possible to live fully and for a lengthy amount of time after a Parkinson's diagnosis.