People suffering from poor gut health with constipation and nausea for a long period may signal the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to a study that shows the neurological disorder may begin in the gut and not the brain.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It affects an estimated 8.5 million people worldwide; and is majorly characterised by tremors, stiffness, and loss of balance.
The study, published in the journal Cerebral Cortex, found that a history of damage to the lining of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract has a 76 per cent higher chance of developing Parkinson’s.
Trisha S. Pasricha, a neurogastroenterologist at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in the US noted that science is yet to completely unravel how the gut exerts enormous influence on the brain.
She said that decades before developing typical motor symptoms like difficulty walking or tremors, Parkinson’s patients “experience GI symptoms like constipation and nausea for years”.
To explore the “gut-first hypothesis”, the team conducted a retrospective cohort study involving more than 10,000 patients who underwent an upper endoscopy (EGD) — a procedure to image and diagnose problems in the oesophagus, stomach, and first portion of the small intestine — between the year 2000 and 2005.
After over 14 years, patients who suffered injuries to the lining of the upper GI tract, also called mucosal damage, showed a 76 per cent higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease
The study highlights the necessity for heightened monitoring of these patients because it can open new avenues for early intervention and treatment strategies.
Understanding the link between mucosal damage and Parkinson’s disease pathology may be crucial to finding early recognition of risk as well as potential intervention, Pasricha noted.
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is widely recognized for its motor symptoms, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. However, mounting evidence reveals that non-motor symptoms, particularly digestive issues, may precede the onset of motor dysfunction by several years. Recognizing these early warning signs is critical for timely diagnosis and intervention.
The Connection Between Digestive Health and Parkinson’s Disease
Emerging research indicates a strong link between the digestive system and the brain, often referred to as the “gut-brain axis.” For individuals with Parkinson’s disease, chronic digestive problems, such as constipation and nausea, often manifest before traditional motor symptoms. These seemingly unrelated gastrointestinal issues may provide a crucial window into the early detection of the disease.
Constipation: A Warning Signal
Constipation is one of the most common digestive symptoms in individuals who later develop Parkinson’s disease. Studies suggest that patients may experience chronic constipation years before a formal diagnosis. The prolonged delay in bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, and feelings of incomplete evacuation are key symptoms to monitor.
Why Does Constipation Occur in Parkinson’s?
The primary culprit is believed to be the slowing down of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. Parkinson’s disease affects the nerves that regulate the muscles of the intestines, leading to delayed or impaired bowel movements. This slowdown in digestion can result in constipation that may persist for years without other noticeable signs of the disease.
Nausea and Its Role in Early Diagnosis
Nausea, though less frequently discussed, is another digestive issue that may hint at Parkinson’s. Persistent nausea, especially when not linked to obvious causes like diet or medications, can signal disruptions in the brain’s neurotransmitter systems.
Dopamine Deficiency and Nausea
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. This lack of dopamine not only impairs motor control but also affects various non-motor systems, including those that regulate nausea and vomiting. Many patients with Parkinson’s report experiencing frequent bouts of nausea, which often coincide with other gastrointestinal disturbances like bloating and acid reflux.
Gut Health: A Biomarker for Parkinson’s?
Recent research suggests that the gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms living in our intestines, may play a role in the development of Parkinson’s disease. Alterations in gut bacteria composition are common in patients with the disease, leading researchers to explore whether these changes might serve as early biomarkers.
The Gut-Brain Axis and Its Role in Disease Progression
The gut-brain axis is a two-way communication network that links the central nervous system with the enteric nervous system. In Parkinson’s patients, disruptions in this network may contribute to both digestive issues and neurodegeneration. Studies have shown that the accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein, a hallmark of Parkinson’s, can begin in the gut before spreading to the brain. This protein misfolding in the gastrointestinal tract could explain why digestive symptoms appear so early in the disease’s progression.
Seeking Medical Attention for Digestive Symptoms
Given the strong correlation between digestive problems and Parkinson’s disease, individuals experiencing chronic gastrointestinal issues, especially constipation and nausea, should consider consulting a healthcare professional. Early intervention and symptom management can significantly improve quality of life and may slow the progression of the disease.
When to See a Doctor
If digestive issues persist for more than a few weeks, particularly in combination with other early non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s (e.g., sleep disturbances, loss of smell, or fatigue), seeking medical advice is essential. A thorough evaluation can help rule out other gastrointestinal disorders and facilitate early detection of potential neurodegenerative conditions.
Conclusion
The relationship between chronic digestive issues and Parkinson’s disease is becoming increasingly clear. Constipation and nausea, often dismissed as minor inconveniences, may actually be early indicators of a much more serious underlying condition. By paying attention to these symptoms and understanding the gut-brain connection, we can improve early diagnosis and, ultimately, patient outcomes.
