Explore the link between Parkinson’s disease and constipation, plus tips for managing symptoms.

Constipation is one of the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

It may appear years before other symptoms of Parkinson’s, and often appears before a diagnosis is made.

According to a review in the International Review of Neurobiology, up to 63 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease experience constipation. Constipation is a recognized risk factor in the development of Parkinson’s disease as well.

Parkinson’s disease has wide-ranging effects on the brain and the body, many of which researchers don’t fully understand. Several factors are believed to contribute to constipation among people with Parkinson’s.

Lack of dopamine

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is involved in controlling muscle movements. It sends signals that help your muscles move.

People with Parkinson’s may have a lack of dopamine. This makes it more difficult for the bowel muscles to push matter through the GI tract, leading to constipation.

Poor muscle coordination

Parkinson’s disease may weaken the muscles of the bowels and pelvic floor. That means that those muscles may be unable to contract, or they might relax instead of contracting. This may make it difficult for a bowel movement to occur.

Poor posture and inactivity

Parkinson’s may lead to a hunched or bent posture. It may also make staying active a challenge.

Difficulty eating and drinking

Adequate fluid intake and dietary fiber may help prevent constipation. Parkinson’s disease impacts the muscles required to chew and swallow.

Medication

A number of medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease and related symptoms may cause constipation. These include anticholinergic medications, such as trihexyphenidyl (Artane), benztropine mesylate (Cogentin), and certain antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac).

A 2024 clinical trial tested ENT-01, a compound designed to act on nerve cells in the GI tract. The trial found that the use of ENT-01 was safe and also significantly improved constipation. ENT-01 is undergoing further studies to check for long-term effectiveness and safety.

The following treatments may help ease constipation in people with Parkinson’s.

Dietary and lifestyle changes

Simple diet and lifestyle changes may help restore bowel function. These include:

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Bulk-forming laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium (Metamucil), methylcellulose (Citrucel), and polycarbophil (FiberCon, Konsyl) can ease constipation. They work by absorbing liquid in the bowels to create a soft stool that’s easy to pass.

You can buy bulk-forming laxatives without a prescription. They’re generally safe, but speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking them, as they can interfere with certain medications.

Stool softeners

Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium (Laxacin, Peri-Colace, Senohot-S) and docusate calcium, are available over the counter. Similar to bulk-forming laxatives, they work by making stools softer and more liquid.

They may be used to treat short-term constipation, for example, while you wait for dietary and lifestyle changes to take effect.

Probiotics

Some studies have found that probiotics may help ease constipation associated with Parkinson’s disease.

A 2023 review noted that probiotics can be used to improve the constipation and motor symptoms for patients with Parkinson’s constipation. Probiotics may reduce the inflammatory response and improve gut-brain axis neuron function, though more studies are needed.

Other treatments

Other treatments, such as laxatives, suppositories, and enemas, may have serious side effects. Your doctor can help you find the most suitable treatment options when constipation persists.

Simple lifestyle and diet changes may help prevent constipation.

  • Drink an extra two to four 8-ounce glasses of fluids per day
  • Add fiber to your diet
  • Exercise regularly

You should contact a doctor if:

  • You experience constipation for the first time
  • You notice blood in your stool
  • You’ve lost weight without trying to
  • Your bowel movements are accompanied by intense pain
  • You’ve been experiencing constipation

There are many possible causes of constipation, but it’s a common problem for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

If you experience constipation, dietary and lifestyle changes may help ease your symptoms. Speak with your doctor about what you can do to manage constipation.