Gastrointestinal features of Parkinson's disease

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2011 Aug;11(4):379-84. doi: 10.1007/s11910-011-0204-0.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are among the most common nonmotor manifestations of Parkinson's disease (PD), and they have many important ramifications for patients. The purpose of this review is to raise awareness of the full spectrum of GI symptoms in PD which include weight loss, sialorrhea, dysphagia, nausea, constipation, and defecatory dysfunction. We will discuss their practical significance, and outline a clear approach to their evaluation and management. A brief discussion about the impacts of commonly used medical and surgical PD therapies on GI symptom manifestation is also included.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Constipation / physiopathology
  • Defecation / physiology
  • Deglutition Disorders / physiopathology
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Nausea / physiopathology
  • Parkinson Disease / physiopathology*
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy
  • Sialorrhea / physiopathology
  • Weight Loss