, but it can be managed with lifestyle changes such as adding extra fibre to your diet, or medical treatment. notice difficulties with constipation before they notice motor symptoms such as tremor or stiffness. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, degenerative neurological condition that affects the person’s ability to control their body movements.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease result from the degeneration of nerve cells in the middle area of the that make and store dopamine (a brain chemical necessary for smooth, controlled movements). Degeneration of the nerve cells results in lower dopamine levels. The symptoms of constipation include: feeling that the bowel isn’t empty after passing motions.

The ways in which Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk of constipation include:

  • lack of dopamine (a neurotransmitter) in the brain – impairs control of muscle movement throughout the body. Bowel muscles can become slow
  • rigid – the bowel muscles may be weak
  • unable to contract
  • or they may clench instead of relaxing when trying to pass a motion containing insoluble fibre adds bulk to your bowel motions
  • can help prevent constipation

However, if a person with Parkinson’s disease finds it difficult to chew or swallow, they may avoid eating fibrous foods.

Swallowing difficulties may discourage a person with Parkinson’s disease from drinking enough fluids sedentary lifestyle – lack of exercise slows the passage of food through your intestines. Parkinson’s disease reduces muscle control, so lack of exercise is common medications – many different medications can cause constipation.

Medications used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (especially anticholinergic medications, which help to block involuntary movements of the muscles) may slow bowel movements or cause a decrease in appetite.

Chronic constipation can cause further problems including: Diagnosis of constipation may include: physical examination.

Your doctor may wish to do tests to rule out other possible causes

The tests depend on the medical condition under investigation.

Be guided by your doctor, but general suggestions include: Choose easy-to-eat fibrous foods such as soft fruits.

Consider mashing or pureeing fruits to make them easier to eat.

Make sure to include the skin, where most of the fibre is found.

Eat homemade vegetable soups

Sprinkle a tablespoon of bran, psyllium husks or chia seeds on your breakfast cereal or add the bran to baked products such as cakes.

However, avoid bran if you have swallowing problems

Fibre supplements may be helpful, but you must drink enough fluids for these to work properly.

Avoid fibre supplements if you have problems swallowing

Don’t increase dietary fibre too quickly or you’ll risk bloating and abdominal cramps.

If discomfort occurs, cut back your fibre intake, increase your fluid intake, apply a hot water bottle to your abdomen and see your doctor. Be guided by your doctor, but general suggestions include: Try to drink six to eight glasses (up to two litres) of fluid every day.

Limit drinks that cause dehydration such as alcohol, tea and coffee.

Spread your drinks throughout the day

Be guided by your doctor, but general suggestions include:

  • Talk with your doctor
  • exercise physiologist or healthcare professional when planning your exercise program. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Spend a few minutes warming up
  • cooling down

This could include marching in place or stretching

Start with the easiest exercises first

Slowly introduce the more difficult exercises as your fitness increases.

Only exercise when other people are at home who can help if necessary

Remember: too little exercise and fluid intake with an increase in dietary fibre can worsen constipation for some people.

Suggestions for good toilet habits include: Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge to pass a bowel motion.

Hanging on can contribute to constipation

Use the correct posture on the toilet to help you pass a bowel motion – place your elbows on your knees, bulge out your stomach, straighten your spine and put your feet on a footstool. Avoid holding your breath and don’t strain when you are on the toilet.

Allow yourself plenty of time

Use a warm washcloth pressed against your back passage or gently massage with one or two fingers to help to relax the muscles. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about medicines to help soften your bowel motions.

See your doctor immediately if: you remain constipated for three weeks

Constipation is a common complication of Parkinson’s disease Many people who have Parkinson’s disease brain Symptoms of constipation in Parkinson’s disease dry, hard bowel motions (poo) and difficulty in passing motions fewer than three bowel motions a week (on average) feeling the need to strain on the toilet Causes of constipation in Parkinson’s disease uncoordinated bowel motions eating problems – dietary fibre drinking problems – you need water to plump up the dietary fibre in your bowel motions Complications of chronic constipation in Parkinson’s disease bowel incontinence (leakage or diarrhoea ) urinary incontinence (caused by pressure against the bladder) urinary tract infections (UTIs) lethargy (feeling drowsy, unenergetic or sluggish) nausea abdominal pain Diagnosis of constipation in Parkinson’s disease medical history detailed description of symptoms Medical problems other than Parkinson’s disease can also cause constipation Treatment for constipation in Parkinson’s disease Your doctor may suggest various treatments to help combat constipatio dietary changes, including more fibre (for example, wholegrain foods such as cereals, brown rice, pasta and bread, pulses such as lentils and beans, and fruit and vegetables ) rather than refined or highly processed foods, and water moderate exercise good toilet habits laxatives, particularly agents that bulk and lubricate the stools Dietary fibre for constipation in Parkinson’s disease Eat at least two pieces of fruit and five serves of vegetables Fluids for constipation in Parkinson’s disease Water Exercise for constipation in Parkinson’s disease Toilet habits and constipation in Parkinson’s disease Getting help for constipation in Parkinson’s disease constipation develops suddenly you have bloody bowel motions passing a bowel motion causes pain you have unexplained weight loss Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your neurologist Your local continence clinic or service Parkinson’s United States 1800 644 189 Independent Living Centres United States (616) 555-0200 or (616) 555-0400, TTY (616) 555-0200 National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66 A dietitian at your local community health centre.

Key Points

  • , but it can be managed with lifestyle changes such as adding extra fibre to your diet, or medical treatment
  • notice difficulties with constipation before they notice motor symptoms such as tremor or stiffness
  • symptoms of constipation include: feeling that the bowel isn’t empty after passing motions
  • Chronic constipation can cause further problems including: Diagnosis of constipation may include: physical examination
  • Your doctor may wish to do tests to rule out other possible causes