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A new study suggests that prolonged poor gut health, particularly symptoms like constipation and nausea, may signal an elevated risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The findings highlight that Parkinson’s, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions globally, may originate in the gut rather than the brain.
Published in the journal Cerebral Cortex, the study examined over 10,000 patients and found that individuals with a history of damage to the lining of their upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract had a 76% higher chance of developing Parkinson’s disease. This research bolsters the emerging “gut-first hypothesis” of the disorder, suggesting that gastrointestinal issues could precede the onset of the typical motor symptoms, such as tremors and loss of balance, by several years.
Dr. Trisha S. Pasricha, a neurogastroenterologist at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in the U.S., noted that the relationship between the gut and the brain remains a largely uncharted frontier in medical science. “Decades before developing typical motor symptoms like difficulty walking or tremors, Parkinson’s patients experience GI symptoms like constipation and nausea for years,” Pasricha explained.
The retrospective cohort study analyzed patients who underwent upper endoscopies between 2000 and 2005. This procedure is used to image and diagnose problems in the esophagus, stomach, and upper portion of the small intestine. After 14 years of follow-up, those who suffered mucosal damage—injuries to the lining of the upper GI tract—were significantly more likely to develop Parkinson’s.
The findings underscore the importance of monitoring patients with upper GI tract damage for potential neurological risks. According to Pasricha, understanding the link between mucosal damage and the development of Parkinson’s pathology could be pivotal in detecting the disease earlier and devising new intervention strategies.
Parkinson’s disease affects approximately 8.5 million people worldwide and is commonly recognized by its hallmark motor symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, and impaired balance. However, this new research highlights the need to consider gastrointestinal health as a potential early warning sign of the disease. Early detection could open the door to more effective treatment options aimed at slowing the progression of Parkinson’s.
The study adds to the growing body of research investigating how gut health impacts neurological disorders. Further research could unlock critical insights into how maintaining a healthy gut may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s or even prevent it.
