Parkinson’s disease is a devastating condition that progressively causes trouble with movement, mobility, and speech. But while Parkinson’s disease has long been considered a disease of the brain, a growing body of research suggests it may actually start in the gut.
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| Human Gut |
That’s the main takeaway from a new study published in JAMA Network Open, which analyzed the link between specific gastrointestinal issues and the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
What Did The Study Find?
For the study, researchers analyzed data from 9,350 people with no previous history of Parkinson’s disease. They discovered that those who had mucosal damage had a 76 percent greater risk of having a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis down the road. That included people with ulcers and other damage to the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or upper part of the small intestine.
What Are The Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease In The Gut?
Constipation is the biggest symptom, Chang says. But difficulty swallowing (a.k.a. dysphagia) can also be a sign, she adds. “You may also have nausea, but the strongest associations are still constipation and dysphagia,” Chang (1lead study author and third-year medical student at Tufts University School of Medicine) says.
How Can I Lower Risk Of Parkinson’s?
If you deal with ulcers or other gastrointestinal issues, Chang says that you’re not destined to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. “Mucosal damage is more common than most people think,” she says. “Parkinson’s disease is still diagnosed in quite a small percentage of people with mucosal damage. It’s not something we recommend going to a neurologist for.”
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Disclaimer: For Educational and Informational purposes only. Consult your physician or other qualified health care provider for medical advice or treatment
