J Korean Neurol Assoc.
2015 Nov;33(4):247-251. 10.17340/jkna.2015.4.1.
Gastrointestinal Dysfunctions in Parkinson's Disease
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. neuronet@catholic.ac.kr
- 2Department of Gastroenterology, The Neighborhood Christian Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
- KMID: 2129310
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.17340/jkna.2015.4.1
Abstract
- Gastrointestinal symptoms are a frequent but usually underreported constituent of the clinical spectrum of Parkinson's disease (PD), and they contribute significantly to the disease-related morbidity and mortality. Virtually all parts of the gastrointestinal tract can be affected, even in the premotor stage. Weight loss, salivary excess, dysphagia, nausea/gastroparesis, constipation, and anorectal dysfunction can all occur. Gastrointestinal symptoms may result from the involvement of either the central or enteric nervous system in the disease process, or be a side effect of antiparkinsonian medications. Awareness of the various gastrointestinal manifestations of PD can facilitate the prompt recognition of and effective therapeutic intervention for these potentially distressing symptoms.
