Can Parkinson's Disease Kill You?
The complications associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) can lead to death. However, the disease itself is not directly fatal.
Common complications of Parkinson's disease which may lead to death include aspiration pneumonia [1], cardiovascular disease, and fall injuries due to balance impairments [2, 3]. Additionally, some patients undergo what is known as Sudden Unexpected Death in Parkinson's Disease (SUDPAR), wherein death occurs abruptly and the direct cause of death is unclear [4]. Some research suggests that PD-related cardiac and neurological aberrations may underlie SUDPAR, but further research is needed to clarify the specific mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon [4].
The complications entailed by Parkinson's result in an increased mortality rate and reduced life span among PD patients compared to that of the general population. It has been estimated that Parkinson's disease-related complications may reduce a patient's life expectancy by 1 to 2 years [5], although this estimate depends upon the type of Parkinson’s and severity of disease [6].
Despite the increased mortality associated with Parkinson's disease, there are treatments available that can delay the progression of Parkinson's disease and help maintain a patient's quality of life [2].