Gastrointestinal dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is a frequent and impactful comorbidity in Parkinson's disease (PD).
• GI symptoms manifest across the disease spectrum, affecting quality of life and treatment strategies.
• This study quantifies real-world differences in GI symptom frequency and severity between PD patients and healthy controls (HC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the prevalence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients versus healthy controls.
• To investigate the relationship between GI dysfunction, chronic pain, physical activity, and Parkinson's disease therapies.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 103 Parkinson's disease patients was compared with 81 healthy control subjects.
• Validated questionnaires assessed constipation severity, upper and lower GI symptoms, and physical activity levels.
• Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant differences and correlations.

Main Results:

• Parkinson's disease patients were three times more likely to report constipation (78.6% vs 28.4%) with fourfold increased severity and harder stools.
• Indigestion, nausea, excessive fullness, and bloating were significantly higher in PD patients, indicated by elevated Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire scores.
• Chronic pain, more prevalent in women, correlated with constipation and upper GI issues. Physical activity was reduced in PD patients and correlated with constipation severity. PD therapies were linked to increased fullness, bloating, and harder stools.

Conclusions:

• Parkinson's disease patients exhibit significantly more prevalent and severe gastrointestinal dysfunction, even in later disease stages.
• Early identification of GI dysfunction in PD allows for targeted management of chronic pain and constipation.
• Optimizing patient care involves promoting physical activity and rationalizing Parkinson's disease therapies to mitigate GI side effects.