Posted on 08/27/2023 8:16:18 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Certain gut problems, such as constipation, difficulty swallowing, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), may be early warning signs of the neurological condition Parkinson's disease, suggests research.
Gastrointestinal symptoms are thought to precede the development of cerebrovascular disease, such as stroke or a brain aneurysm, or Alzheimer's disease, and it has been suggested (Braak's hypothesis) that gut conditions may precede the development of Parkinson's disease too.
…Both analyses indicated that four gut conditions were associated with a higher risk of a Parkinson's disease diagnosis.
Specifically, gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and constipation were associated with a more than doubling in risk of Parkinson's disease in the 5 years preceding the diagnosis, while IBS without diarrhea was associated with a 17% higher risk.
Appendix removal, however, seemed to be protective, prompting questions about its potential role in the disease processes.
Neither inflammatory bowel disease nor vagotomy (removal of all or part of the vagus nerve to treat peptic ulcer) were associated with a heightened risk.
Some other gut issues, including functional dyspepsia (burning sensation or fullness of the stomach with no obvious cause); IBS with diarrhea; and diarrhea plus fecal incontinence, were also more prevalent among people who developed Parkinson's disease.
But these conditions were also more prevalent before the onset of Alzheimer's disease or cerebrovascular disease.
This is an observational study, and as such, can't establish cause.
Nevertheless, they conclude, "This study is the first to establish substantial observational evidence that the clinical diagnosis of not only constipation, but also dysphagia, gastroparesis and irritable bowel syndrome without diarrhea might specifically predict the development of Parkinson's disease."
They add, "These findings warrant alertness for [gastrointestinal] syndromes in patients at higher risk for Parkinson's disease and highlight the need for further investigation of [gastrointestinal] precedents in Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease."
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Many of these issues can be minimized or eliminated with good probiotics/prebiotics, plus some diet changes. And most likely vitamin/mineral supplements to address deficiencies.
And yet once again research dollars are down the toilet.
We’ve known about this for a long time. Years before my PD diagnosis I developed trouble swallowing, and constipation among other things. Your gut biome is very important, the nerve clusters down there are considered a second brain.
Parkinsons, ALS, and Huntington’s disease are all in the same family. And yes, it comes from the gut. Massive gluten intolerance and the need for a strict nutrition program clears it up after a few weeks.
Off topic, but still fascinating...
About 10 years ago, a neurologist in Holland discovered that 20% of his Parkinson patients who had high difficulty in walking were able to ride a bicycle - without difficulty - around an indoor track!
Most of them needed assistance to mount and dismount the bike, and a push to start, but that still seems completely amazing to me.
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