can parkinsons kill you. my husband was diagnosed at 53 and is going on 55.

[diamondgirl27]

[soup]

This has been the subject of many a discussion here and I have no doubt it will be again.

Parkinson's is not fatal but just like crossing the road it comes with many risks which could shorten one’s life. When you cross the road you look for traffic and minimise the risks. So -

1 Poor swallowing could lead to aspiration pneumonia - See a speech therapist if you notice it happening

2 Depression may lead to self neglect or worse, get help sooner rather than later and take the pills if they are offered until you don't need them.

3 Sudden fluctuations in blood pressure and Parkinson's itself can cause falls, seek the help of an occupational therapist who can come and make suggestions about improving the safety of the house and see if you can find an exercise class particularly aimed at preventing falls. (When you get to that stage)

4 Take the meds prescribed to keep you as mobile and as fit as possible.

5 Exercise

6 Don’t become socially isolated.

7 Give yourself permission to have ‘off’ days without trying to battle through. There will be a better day round the corner.

8 Reduce your stress levels wherever possible..

My husband was diagnosed at 54 and I have just dropped him off at a car park (6.30am) where he is meeting up with friends and will engage in a day of sea fishing. He is now 60 and still going strong. Yes he is one of the lucky ones so far but Parkinson's is not a death sentence.

Have you been able to find a group of similar aged people who are living well with Parkinson's? That was our turning point.

Good luck to you both PM me if you need a chat.

[Kadie57]

I don't believe Parkinson kills it is the nasty stuff that tags along with it, that can and does cause death. Talk with your doctor get some read info. arm yourself with knowledge.

[pdmcc]

Parkinson's is a degenerative disease, it does not get better. Does it have the ability to shorten ones lifespan, I believe, and it's only my opinion, yes, it can. I've come to accept it. The best medicine is exercise, take meds if your neurologist prescribes them, and seek professional counseling sooner versus later. I only say that because I personally thought I could handle the frustration and struggles with my Parkinson's as the disease progressed, and ended up in the hospital psych ward for 9 days. I don't mean to scare you, so follow the advise of your neuro or Dr., and if you don't have a good one, find a good one.

[Johnsilk]

Diamondgirl27

Soup's response to your? is as good as you will get on this delicate important subject..

Personally I think that the"power of positive thinking" and getting involved with PwP's in any capacity is a good way to think about what you can do to get the"dreaded lurgy" off your and your husbands back.

John Silk

[dena1]

I have been on requip 25 yrs ,5 mg and just recently 1.5 mg 3 times a day.

Dr. is trying to reduce gradually, but I have been too nervous, anxious and restless leg has been almost unbearable - so I aam now back o n l.5 mg 3 x a day...... Tremors seem to stay same , I also take seelegline .5 mg 2 a day.

I am 81 yrs of age. (selgeline) I was diagnosed in 2005 with PD. My Mom had it also.