Parkinson's is not considered to be a fatal disease by itself, but it progresses with time. The average life expectancy of a Parkinson's patient is generally lower than for people who do not have the disease. In the late stages of the disease, Parkinson's may cause complications such as choking, pneumonia, and falls that can lead to death.

The progression of symptoms in Parkinson's may take 20 years or more to be fatal. In some people, however, the disease progresses more quickly. There is no way to predict what course the disease will take for an individual person. With appropriate treatment, most people with Parkinson's can live productive lives for many years after diagnosis.