Bowel problems can occur in anyone. But some problems, especially reduced bowel movement or constipation, are particularly common in people with Parkinson’s. This tends to be as a result of bradykinesia. This slowness, limited movement and muscle rigidity, which are visible symptoms of the disease, also effects the muscles we can’t see – including the bowel muscles - which in turn causes a reduction or slowness of bowel movements.
Poor bowel function may be exacerbated if a person finds it difficult to chew and swallow food, which is quite common with Parkinson’s. This may make it harder to eat a diet that is rich in fibre - for example fruit, vegetables and whole grains – which help form soft, bulky stools and aid bowel function. For more information on a healthy diet and healthy bowels see below [add link].
Exercise also plays a key role in efficient bowel function. But people with Parkinson’s may find it difficult to remain active and this leads to reduced stimulation of the bowel and the intestines become sluggish. For more information on exercise and healthy bowels see below [add link].
Diarrhoea may occur as a side-effect of certain Parkinson’s medications. If you experience diarrhoea it is important to talk to your doctor as they may be able to alter your medication regime in order to overcome this.
Constipation is particularly common in Parkinson's, possibly affecting up to 65% of those with it. Tremors and the subsequent fear of spillages can mean some people unintentionally reduce their fluid intake. But this can make stools hard and more difficult to pass. When stools remain unpassed for a long time, they become harder as the body absorbs more water from them. If stools build up in the rectum they can become impacted and block the rectum. They may also overflow as lumps of stool or watery mucus.
Also, if a person is anxious about their bowel movements, possibly because of the effect of certain medications, such as levodopa and anticholinergics, they might find it difficult to relax their bodies and muscles effectively to allow a stool to be passed, and constipation ensues. Such anxiety can also reduce the effectiveness of Parkinson’s medications.
A 2002 MORI survey of 1,171 people discovered that men are actually quite insecure about their bowel habits in the workplace. Men’s work performance is affected twice as much by constipation as women's work performance, and they avoid the workplace toilet more than women.
A condition where it becomes difficult to empty faeces from the bowel or where the stool is small, hard, and difficult or painful to pass.
See section Bowel Problems including Constipation.
Bradykinesia describes the slow execution of movement and impaired ability to adjust the body's position.
The word bradykinesia is derived from the Greek roots: bradys(slow) and kinesis(movement).
A condition in which there is an increase in frequency, liquidity and weight of stools associated with urgency.
Severe or prolonged diarrhoea may lead to excess losses of fluid, salts and nutrients in the faeces.
The main type of drug prescribed to treat Parkinson's disease and has been in use since the late 1960s. The aim is to increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine cannot be directly replaced because it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier that prevents potentially harmful substances in the blood from entering the brain. Levodopa is a chemical compound that can cross this barrier and is then converted into dopamine.
See also Types of medication available.
A class of older drugs that are used to treat Parkinson's. They work by reducing the amount of acetylcholine in the body and thereby facilitate dopamine cell function.
Also called antimuscarinics.
See also Types of medication available.
Stiffness of the limbs, joints or body that make movement and bending difficult.
Rhythmic shaking of part of the body. It is one of the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease, although it is not experienced by everyone.
