Constipation and Gastrointestinal Issues in PD

Bowel Management in MSA

Published by MSA Trust, July 2015

This eight-page fact sheet addresses constipation specifically in Multiple System Atrophy, but the impairment of the autonomic nervous system is similar enough to Parkinson’s disease as to be useful here. There is a nine-point list of contributors to constipation, other problems that can occur due to bowel problems, management tips, and medication options.

Bowel Management Program

Published by Parkinson Society BC

While the best way to deal with constipation is to prevent it, this two-page fact sheet shares tips and tricks to get things moving when you experience constipation, including recipes, when and how to administer an enema, and more.

Constipation & Parkinson's Disease

Published by the American Parkinson Disease Association, May 2022

This two-page fact sheet shares diet and lifestyle changes to improve constipation, as well as supplements and medications than can help.

• En Español, 4 páginas: Constipación y enfermedad de Parkinson, 2017

Constipation & Parkinson's Disease

By Mary L. Wagner, Robert S. Jenco, and Aksh K. Sharma.  Published by the American Parkinson Disease Association, August 2015

This four-page educational supplement addresses causes of constipation, exercise and physical activity, dietary habits, medication that can cause or worsen constipation, change in lifestyle, and medication to treat constipation.  
En Español: Constipación y enfermedad de Parkinson, Noviembre 2015

Constipation and Other Gastrointestinal Problems in PD

By Jean S. MacFadyen, PhD, RN, and Gwyn M. Vernon, MSN, CRNP.  Published by the Parkinson's Foundation, 2020

This eight-page document discusses gastroparesis plus the prevention and management of constipation (including a list of oral laxatives, safety and health precautions).  And offers a constipation tracker chart.

Constipation in Parkinson's Disease

Published by the San Francisco Parkinson's Disease Research, Education & Clinical Center (PADRECC)

This single page shares the lifestyle, pharmaceutical, and physical interventions used at each stage of Parkinson's Disease (PD) to treat constipation so that patients require the use of laxatives or enemas less frequently and do not feel uncomfortable. 

Looking After Your Bladder and Bowels

Published by Parkinson's UK, March 2020

This 44-page document discusses healthy bladder and bowel functioning, bladder and bowel problems common in those with Parkinson's Disease (PD) as well as helpful products, equipment, and treatment for urinary incontinence, lifestyle change to prevent bowel problems (constipation), and tips for making it easier to go to the toilet (toilet adaptations, handrails, clothing, etc.)

Constipation and Nausea

Published by the Parkinson's Foundation

This online article notes that the same brain changes in PD that cause stiffness and slow movement also affect the muscles involved in swallowing and in pushing food through the digestive system. The article describes the factors that contribute to constipation, how to avoid constipation, and nausea.

Gastroparesis in PD - Symptoms & Treatment Options

By Maria De León, MD.  Published by defeatparkinsons.com, July 19, 2016

This blog post describes gastroparesis as the slow emptying of food from the stomach to intestines.  This poor motility can cause several unpleasant symptoms, and serious complications.  Medications commonly used in PD can cause and worsen the problem.  The author outlines the steps to diagnosis and several treatment options.

Parkinson’s Disease and Constipation

Published by the Department of Health & Human Services, State Government of Victoria, Australia, Better Health Channel

This information about constipation in Parkinson’s disease outlines symptoms, causes, complications when chronic, diagnosis, and treatment, including good toilet habits and when to urgently see your doctor.

Parkinson’s Treatment Tips for Constipation

Published by the University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, September 12, 2011

This page outlines the causes of constipation in Parkinson’s disease and recommendations to prevent it.  Resources includes a natural recipe to increase fiber intake, a regimen for bowel clean out, and a list of medication options if exercise, hydration and fiber are insufficient.

Constipation and Parkinson's

By the Brian Grant Foundation, October, 2024

In the first part of this 1-hour webinar a registered dietician discusses the roles of fiber, hydration, and magnesium in preventing constipation. In the second part, a physical therapist (PT) who specializes in the pelvic floor shares some tips and exercises that can help improve sleep. She also describes how to do bowel massage, move, stretch, exercise, and position on the toilet to help move stool through and out. Finally, the PT shares nerve stimulation therapies that can be done to stimulate bowel motility. 

Constipation and the Gut in Parkinson's

By the Davis Phinney Foundation, September 29, 2021

One of the effects Parkinson’s has on the autonomic nervous system seems to be the slowing of food through the gastrointestinal tract, which can result in constipation (fewer than three bowel movements per week). As many as 80% of people with PD have constipaiton. In this 1-hour webinar Cherian Karunapuzha, MD, shares how you can best manage your bowel and urinary symptoms to live well with Parkinson’s.

Gut, Brain & PD

By the University of Colorado Movement Disorder Center, September 30, 2021

In this 28-minute talk, part of the University of Colorado Movement Disorder Center's 8th Annual Parkinson's Disease Symposium, movement disorders specialist Trevor Hawkins, MD, reviewed the pathways involved in the gut-brain axis, discussed the potential interactions of the gut-brain axis in PD, and reviewed the state of treatment for gut issues in PD.

Parkinson's and the Gut

By Parkinson's Community Los Angeles (PCLA), March 3, 2022

In this one-hour webinar a neuro-gastroenterologist begins by briefly explaining the connection between the gut and brain before getting into the causes and treatments of constipation, diarrhea/fecal incontinence, bloating, weight loss/malnutrition, poor absorbtion of medications, heartburn/reflux, and difficulty swallowing.

Symptoms Beneath the Surface — Incontinence & Constipation in Parkinson's disease

By the Parkinson's Foundation, October 26, 2020

This webinar begins with a 10-minute yoga practice to promote bowel motility, followed by a 30-minute talk by a movement disorders specialist on constipation in Parkinson's. The doctor explains how diet and constipation can interfere with the effectiveness of levodopa absorbtion and shares several lifestyle and medication management recommendations, including recipes for high-fiber boosts to add to your regular diet, and a 'poop tracker' app. Finally, he discusses other issues in gut health before spending 15-minutes on urinary health and PD, followed by questions.