Can You Die from Parkinson’s? – What the Final Stage Looks Like

It’s a question many ask when someone close receives a Parkinson’s diagnosis:
“Is this something you can die from?”

The short answer is: yes – but not in the way most people think. Parkinson’s is rarely listed as the direct cause of death on a death certificate, but it often plays a contributing role, especially in the final stage of life. The disease gradually weakens the body, increasing vulnerability to serious complications.

How Can Parkinson’s Lead to Death?

In the final stage of Parkinson’s, the body’s functions become increasingly impaired. It’s not just movement that’s affected, but also the ability to swallow, breathe, and maintain balance. This leads to complications such as:

• Pneumonia, often due to swallowing difficulties, which can cause food or liquid to enter the lungs (aspiration).

• Falls, which are more common due to impaired balance and can lead to fractures or other serious injuries.

• Malnutrition and dehydration, as eating and drinking become more difficult.

• Cognitive decline and dementia, especially Parkinson’s dementia, which significantly affects overall health and daily functioning.

What Is Parkinson’s Dementia?

In advanced stages, many people with Parkinson’s also develop dementia. Parkinson’s dementia involves gradual loss of memory, attention, judgment, and language skills.

It shares features with Lewy body dementia, which is closely related to Parkinson’s disease. The combination of cognitive and motor symptoms can make everyday life more challenging and increases the need for consistent care and emotional support. Memory issues, confusion, and difficulty recognizing loved ones are common – making stability and routine essential.

What Happens in the Final Stage of Parkinson’s?

The final stage often includes:

• Severe fatigue and near-total loss of mobility

• Difficulty swallowing and breathing

• Significant cognitive decline or dementia

• Increased risk of infections

• Complete dependency on care

Palliative care becomes central during this phase, focusing on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment.

What Can You Do as a Loved One?

If someone close to you is in the final stage of Parkinson’s, your support is vital. Here’s what you can do:

• Communicate openly with healthcare providers about palliative options and symptom relief.

• Learn to recognize signs of pain, distress, or infection.

• Don’t be afraid to talk about end-of-life – it can bring peace and clarity.

• If dementia is present, focus on calm routines, familiar surroundings, and gentle communication.

• Reach out for help – support groups, counselors, and respite services can lighten the emotional load.

Dying with Parkinson’s is not the same as dying from Parkinson’s.

While the disease may not be the only cause of death, it often defines the final chapter of life. When Parkinson’s is combined with dementia, the need for understanding, patience, and presence becomes even greater.

As with other forms of dementia, it’s not just about medical treatment – it’s about seeing the person behind the illness. Being there, even when words fade, is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

Sensorem’s safety alarm has GPS positioning, medication reminders and automatic fall alarm

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people with dementia. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app. Relatives are automatically called by the personal alarm (two-way communication) if the user leaves a predetermined geographical area. The personal alarm also has medication reminders, which means that the watch emits a sound and tells the user that it is time to take their medication. The personal alarm can also alert automatically in the event of a fall with the built-in fall sensor.