These are heart conditions, stroke and cancer. As we age we become increasingly aware that more than one bad thing can happen to our bodies. PD patients are at an increased risk of falling and bad falls can lead to death.
This usually occurs as a complication of a fall that requires hospitalization, particularly if it involves surgery. While most people do not fracture their hips when they fall, some do, and hip surgery, while routine, is still major surgery.
People with PD are at higher risk of falling , and serious falls that require surgery carry the risk of infection, adverse events with medication and anesthesia, heart failure, and blood clots from immobility. Pneumonia is a common cause of death, and those with PD are at risk for aspiration pneumonia. In Parkinson's, the person may not be able to cough up the food or drink they aspirated, and it can remain in the lungs, eventually causing an infection.
In general, the diseases that kill other people in the general population, like cancer and heart disease, are also the diseases that kill most people with PD as well. Inaccuracies in death certificates is a known problem, stemming from lack of training and guidance. PD is not the direct cause of death for these patients, but rather complications stemming from PD may be the true cause.
Patients living with PD can take steps to ensure they get quality care from their healthcare team , as well as take good care of themselves. Staying as active as possible with help from an occupational therapist OT who can show you how to modify daily activities, eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, and taking medications as prescribed can all help optimize your health and promote well-being.
Talking with the doctor about any challenges or concerns can also help you brainstorm solutions to problems or help create a plan to address issues.
Don't neglect emotional health, as well. Depression and anxiety affect up to half of those living with PD. Mood disorders and changes like these can actually worsen symptoms and affect overall health, so proper treatment is crucial.
Spending time with other people — friends, family members, activity groups — can also help decrease feelings of isolation or loneliness. While living with PD is life-changing, it is not a death sentence. Learning more about the condition, as well as treatment options and how to make adaptations for your lifestyle can be helpful. Every person is different, so talk with the treatment team about any concerns you have.
Remember that most people with PD live about as long as their general population peers, and die of the same diseases as the general population — not PD. By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our privacy policy. We never sell or share your email address. Chris H. Hope you have a great day. So, it follows that if one strengthens the voice, swallowing issues should not occur, and so lessening the chance of aspiration pneumonia!
Parkinson Voice Project does some great work. Take care! Thank you! Finally something positive for those with PD to hear. It allows them to rate cognitive difficulties that may impair day-to-day tasks and the effectiveness of treatment.
However, nonmotor symptoms are also common. Nonmotor symptoms may require additional treatment in many people. These symptoms can advance as the disease progresses. For example, injuries that occur because of a fall or problems associated with dementia can be fatal. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia. This condition is caused when foods, or other foreign objects, are inhaled into the lungs. There is also no definite known cause.
However, research is ongoing. Knowing your personal risk factors can help you detect symptoms in the beginning stages. The disease can vary greatly among individuals. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Nancy Hammond, M. Stage 1. Stage 2. Stage 3.
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