Even so, study results are inconsistent, with some studies suggesting a greater impact on survival than others.
Of the 12,789 adults included in the study, 279 developed PD symptoms.
Studies suggest that the risk is multifactorial, meaning that multiple factors are involved.
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Some studies suggest that up to 70% of early Parkinson’s deaths can be attributed to aspiration pneumonia.
Dementia
Dementiais also a contributing factor to early death in people with PD.
People with PD in nursing homes who are generally frail are at the greatest risk.
From an individual perspective, this is not necessarily the case.
Generally, mild to moderate subtypes have less impact on life expectancy than the most severe PD subtype.
This can also influence life expectancy.
In the absence of such treatment, life expectancy is generally lower for people with atypical parkinsonism.
However, there are exceptions.
Chief among these arecomorbid(co-occurring) medical conditions common in older adults.
Aspiration pneumonia is a major cause of early death, along with falls and complications of dementia.
Although study results vary, some suggest that PD reduces life expectancy by an average of seven years.
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