Even though it is a movement disorder, Parkinson’s is associated with significant non-motor features including gastrointestinal dysfunction
Most people experience constipation at one point or another. Mostly it is caused by some benign reason, like eating too much dairy or being dehydrated. However, chronic constipation is also a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder cha by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain, causing three cardinal motor symptoms: reduced movements, rigidity, and tremors.
Even though it is a movement disorder, Parkinson’s is associated with significant non-motor features, including gastrointestinal dysfunction, which includes constipation. “Individuals with constipation are at greater risk of developing PD, and it is now well known that it can happen at least 10-16 years before the motor symptoms of PD appear,” Dr. Manish Chhabria, Senior Consultant, Neurology, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, told Times Now.
According to Dr. Chhabria, research efforts on the gut-brain axis have increased dramatically, and there is a large body of evidence for a possible role of gut dysfunction in the early pathogenesis of Parkinson’s. It happens mainly because of alpha-synuclein protein deposition causing reduced gut motility and alteration in gut microbiota composition - all these leading to low-grade gut and systemic inflammation and, in turn, causing brain inflammation and neurodegeneration.
Signs and symptoms of constipation in Parkinson’s patients
Constipation is usually thought of as not being able to have a bowel movement. However, that is not the only sign. Other common signs of constipation include:
- Difficulty passing stool
- Pain when passing stool
- Dry and hard stools
- Infrequent bowel movements, less than three times per week.
How to get relief?
There are a variety of options available to treat and prevent constipation related to Parkinson’s. Dr. Chhabria advises:
-
Treat Parkinson's disease with appropriate medications as prescribed by a neurologist
- Take laxatives
- Lower gut prokinetics
- Go for botulinum toxin therapy in a select few cases
- Consume a diet that is rich in increased fiber and fluid intake
- Take probiotics
- Go for physical therapy which includes abdominal massage
- Functional magnetic stimulation of thoracic and lumbosacral nerves
- Possible improvement in patients who have undergone deep brain stimulation surgery for motor symptoms of PD.
Other signs of Parkinson’s disease
Constipation is an early sign of Parkinson’s disease, but other symptoms may include:
Change in smell
A decreased sense of smell or taste is an early sign, sometimes preceding other symptoms for many years.
Changes in sleep
Changes in sleep, such as acting out dreams with movements such as kicking and punching in sleep, is another early sign.
Changes in writing
Your handwriting may become small and cramped. You also may find it difficult to write.
Tremors
Tremor is most common in your hands or fingers and may occur when you’re at rest. The tremor may decrease when you perform motor tasks.
Slowed movement
Your movement may slow over time, making once easy and simple tasks time-consuming and challenging. You may shuffle your feet or struggle to get out of a chair.
Rigid muscles
Stiffness throughout the body may occur, limiting your range of motion.
Balance problems
You may lose your balance and fall.
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