What is a major cause of death in Parkinson's disease?

What is a major cause of death in Parkinson's disease?

• A. Heart failure
• B. Stroke
• C. Sepsis
• D. Aspiration pneumonia

Answer: (D)

In Parkinson's disease, swallowing difficulties and impaired airway protection are common as the disease advances. This makes it easy for food, saliva, or liquids to be aspirated into the lungs, leading to pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is a frequent and serious complication in advanced PD and a major contributor to mortality, often more so than heart failure, stroke, or sepsis from other causes. Preventing it involves swallowing therapy, dietary modifications, and prompt treatment of infections.

In Parkinson's disease, swallowing difficulties and impaired airway protection are common as the disease advances. This makes it easy for food, saliva, or liquids to be aspirated into the lungs, leading to pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is a frequent and serious complication in advanced PD and a major contributor to mortality, often more so than heart failure, stroke, or sepsis from other causes. Preventing it involves swallowing therapy, dietary modifications, and prompt treatment of infections.