Parkinson’s Patients with Specialized Physiotherapy show Significantly Lower Mortality Rates, Landmark Study Reveals
Amsterdam, NL – A groundbreaking observational study involving over 37,000 individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease has revealed a compelling link between specialized physiotherapy and a significantly reduced risk of death. The research, conducted by Radboudumc in collaboration with CZ and published in Nature Parkinson’s disease, indicates that patients receiving specialized care experienced a 14% lower mortality rate compared to those receiving regular care, even after accounting for other health factors.The extensive study, led by PhD student Jan Ypinga of CZ and neurologist Sirwan Darweesh of Radboudumc, analyzed data from a large cohort of Parkinson’s patients. During the research period, 28% of individuals in the specialized care group passed away, a stark contrast to the 42% mortality rate observed in the regular care group.”We have conducted an observational study based on existing data,” explained Ypinga. “Specialized physiotherapy appears to be associated with a lower risk of death in people with Parkinson’s. We meticulously examined alternative explanations, such as differences in overall health or access to care. Even after these analyses, the difference remained visible.This strongly suggests that specialized, appropriate care plays a crucial role.”
Neurologist Sirwan Darweesh underscored the meaning of these findings. “Our study demonstrates a clear correlation between specialized physiotherapy and a longer lifespan in individuals with Parkinson’s,” Darweesh stated. “We observe a ample difference in survival rates between patients who receive specialized care and those who do not. However, it is imperative to maintain caution: as this is an observational study, we cannot definitively establish causation. Nevertheless, the data compellingly point in that direction.”
Darweesh also highlighted the encouraging accessibility of this specialized form of care.”Physiotherapy is instrumental in preventing debilitating complications such as falls and pneumonia, which are critical given that we cannot halt the disease’s progression itself,” he elaborated. “Thanks to the national coverage provided by ParkinsonNet, this specialized care is readily available to nearly all patients who seek it. This makes it a highly relevant and immediately applicable intervention for improving patient outcomes.”
The findings offer a beacon of hope for the Parkinson’s community, emphasizing the tangible benefits of tailored therapeutic interventions in enhancing both quality of life and longevity.
