Life Span With Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects the fluidity and control of voluntary and involuntary movement. Although the underlying cause of Parkinson’s disease is not well understood, the causes of PD symptoms are, namely, the inability to produce or utilize the neurotransmitter dopamine. This dopamine insufficiency leads to challenges for the Parkinson patient, but it is not life-threatening in most cases.

Life Span

• If properly diagnosed and treated, a person with Parkinson’s disease can have a normal lifespan. However, if Parkinson’s disease is combined with other conditions, a person’s life span may be shortened depending on the severity and nature of any additional conditions.

Symptoms

• Parkinson’s disease is characterized by a difficulty with motor control. The first signs may be a slight tremor on one side of the body that usually progresses to both sides. Speaking may become difficult and often word repetition or pausing before speaking a word may occur. A person with Parkinson’s may have an awkward gait when walking. These symptoms themselves do not limit life span.

Causes

• The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, though environmental toxins, a genetic predisposition, or a combination of the two may be at fault.

Risk Factors

• Age, gender, medical history, and proximity to toxins all play a part in your risk for Parkinson’s. You are at higher risk for Parkinson’s if you are male, over 50 (though younger adults are affected on occasion), have a history of PD in your family, or are frequently exposed to chemical toxins.

Treatment

• There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease at present, and no medical regimen to extend life span per se. However, there are treatments that can decrease the likelihood of complications and increase quality of life. These include therapies that facilitate dopamine reception and utilization, and keep motor functioning stabilized. In many cases, the tremors associated with Parkinson’s can be reduced or eliminated. Treatments to cure or manage life-threatening secondary conditions can help extend life span.