Treatment approaches of gastrointestinal dysfunction in Parkinson's disease, therapeutical options and future perspectives

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is a common but underestimated feature in Parkinson's disease (PD). Out of the multimodal spectrum of treatment options, there currently are only a few pharmacological treatments available to improve gastrointestinal motility and symptoms. Because enteric nervous function is mainly regulated by transmitters different from those involved in the brain, dopamine replacement is not a treatment option in PD patients. This article focuses on the known regulative mechanism of GI function and presents known and upcoming treatment options for GI dysfunction in PD.