[Guest]

A close family member was diagnosed with PD about 10 years ago - that person is now 81 and the condition is clearly deteriorating quite rapidly, with increasing onset of typical symptoms.

The person and the older partner are are managing to live independently for now, but the rest of the family needs some idea what could happen in the future.

Most general information sites skirt around dealing with the difficult question of "what could happen?". While obviously a postive outlook is important for the individual, it is also essential for family members to be realistic about what could happen. So, I am seeking some honest answers!

I'd like to know:
1) Once a decline has begun, despite medication, do symptoms usually continue to worsen?
2) Is the onset exponential - by which I mean is it typical for the progression of the disease to speed up?
3) Do some people with PD eventually end up unable to care for themselves, or be cared for by their partner?
4) Can the symptoms of PD evenually lead to a common cause of death?
5) Can people with PD expect to die earlier than the norm?

Many thanks.

[Guest]

The prognosis can be very variable. Some individuals with PD will age and succomb to other disorders (cardiovascular, malignancy, dementia, infection etc) unrelated to PD, while others may develop aspiration pneumonia, blood clot form immobilization, other infection etc related to the PD. The progression of the disease can seem to speed up, and response to medications can become less predictable. Many people can end up unable to care for themselves. However, you are correct taht general good health, exercise, and a positive outlook are important.
[quote] A close family member was diagnosed with PD about 10 years ago - that person is now 81 and the condition is clearly deteriorating quite rapidly, with increasing onset of typical symptoms.

The person and the older partner are are managing to live independently for now, but the rest of the family needs some idea what could happen in the future... [/quote]