Objective: To evaluate the possible causes of constipation, and to find clear methods to correct the disorder.

Background: Constipation is a common problem in Parkinson’s disease (PD), occurring in about 50–60% of patients and may occur even before the motor symptoms appear. The cause of constipation with PD may be not only atony of the bowels, a decrease in the overall motor activity, unbalanced nutrition. There is an opinion that constipation with PD provoked anti-Parkinsonian drugs.

Method: The study involved 40 patients with PD, suffering from constipation (28 men and 12 women with an average age of 58.7 ± 2.9 years, the average duration of the disease 6.9 ± 2.5 years, 3.0 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale (2.0-4.0) and the total the number of points on the MMSE scale is 21.8 ± 1.3). Previously, all patients for correcting constipation (stool delay more than 3 days) used various methods with insufficient effect, among which were medication therapy (laxatives of various groups) and compliance with a specific diet.

Results: All patients were offered course reception of a mixture of soluble dietary fiber with extract of chicory roots (natural source of inulin – about 1.6 g.). This mixture was dissolved in a large amount of water (200 – 250 ml) and was taken daily after lunch for 30 days. To assess the result, a log of stool appearance was used for 1 month (was filled with subjects), and a questionnaire of clinical improvement for patients was also applied. The study showed that 82.6% of patients noted normalization of the stool (21 men and 12 women). Significant improvement was noted in 23 of patients (57.5%), insignificant – in 11 (27.5%), absence of effect – in 5 (12.5%). Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean frequency of stools per month, from 7.1 ± 1.8 times to 16.6 ± 3.4 times (p <0.001). In all patients with constipation with PD, there is a significant improvement in stool during use mixture of soluble dietary fiber with inulin.

Conclusion: In connection with the aforesaid, in the diet of patients with PD should include foods high in dietary fiber (whole grain bread, fruits) and a sufficient amount of liquid (6-8 glasses per day). In cases where the diet cannot be adjusted, it is allowed to use ready-made mixtures of soluble dietary fiber with inulin on the background of a large amount of water drunk per day.

References: 1. Beal MF. Experimental models of Parkinson’s disease. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2001;2:325–334. 2. Tan EK, Khajavi M, Thornby JI, Nagamitsu S, Jankovic J, Ashizawa T. Variability and validity of polymorphism association studies in Parkinson’s disease. Neurology. 2000;55:533–538. 3. Priyadarshi A, Khuder SA, Schaub EA, Shrivastava S. A meta-analysis of Parkinson’s disease and exposure to pesticides. Neurotoxicology. 2000;21:435–440.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/evaluation-of-constipation-in-patients-with-parkinsons-disease-and-its-correction/