Does Parkinson's Kill You?

Parkinson's Disease itself does not directly kill people. New treatments help people live long lives. If someone is more elderly and weak and they also have Parkinson's Disease, they may develop other illnesses. It is these other illnesses like pneumoniathat could lead to their death.

What do Parkinson's patients usually die from?

Pneumonia, particularly aspiration pneumonia, is the leading cause of death for people with Parkinson's, accounting for 70 percent of Parkinson's deaths. Aspiration pneumonia happens when you inhale food, stomach acid, or saliva into your lungs.

What is the life expectancy of someone with Parkinson's disease?

According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, patients usually begin developing Parkinson's symptoms around age 60. Many people with PD live between 10 and 20 years after being diagnosed.