Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 29, 2026

Ole Isacson: Development of New Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
Published on: April 29, 2007
Life Expectancy for Parkinson Patients at Hoehn and Yahr Stage 5
Wei Li1, Ehsan Saffari1, Hwee Lan Ng1
1Department of Neuroscience Nursing, National Neuroscience Institute, TTSH Campus, Singapore, Singapore.
Background:
Survival following the transition to Hoehn and Yahr stage 5 (HY5) in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains underexplored.
Objectives:
We aimed to examine survival following HY5 transition and identify associated prognostic factors.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 115 patients with PD who transitioned to HY5 and subsequently died. Linear regression was used to identify factors associated with survival from HY5 transition to death. Cox regression was performed as a sensitivity analysis.
Results:
Mean survival following HY5 transition was 2.48 ± 2.20 years. Female sex was associated with longer survival, whereas longer disease duration and greater motor severity at HY5 transition were associated with shorter survival. Cox regression demonstrated consistent findings. Pneumonia was the most common cause of death (43.4%).
Conclusions:
Survival following HY5 transition was limited, but highly variable. These findings highlight HY5 as an important clinical milestone for prognostication, reviewing goal-of-care, supporting caregiver, and preparation for end-of-life care.
Related Concept Videos
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Huntington Disease l: Introduction
Kubler Ross's Stages of Dying
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from emotional distress. Anger...
