Unmasking the insidious puzzle of Parkinson's. Correlation with toilet troubles to rising global cases
1:54 PM EST, January 12, 2024
According to the World Health Organization, at least 8.5 million patients are battling Parkinson's disease. Over the last 25 years, the number of cases has doubled. The number of patients continues to rise worldwide, Poland included.
The causes of Parkinson's disease remain unclear. It's a degenerative brain disease that frequently accompanies dementia, cognitive impairment, and motor impairments. Its insidious nature means that not all symptoms are immediately obvious.
Interestingly, the progressive degeneration of brain structures can cause up to forty distinct symptoms. These usually blend in and go unnoticed. One such symptom might reveal itself during a bathroom visit.
An Unrecognized Symptom of Parkinson's Disease
Difficulties with bowel movements could indicate Parkinson's disease. While quite a common issue, most people do not associate toilet trouble with potential degenerative brain conditions.
Constipation is a less obvious symptom. People of all ages can experience bowel movement issues, but most patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease have difficulty with constipation.
This could be due to the disease's impact on stomach muscles and the anal sphincter, leading to complications during bathroom visits. Parkinson's disease can also decrease mobility, further slowing intestinal function.
What Else Should We Be Aware Of?
The most obvious and distinctive symptom of Parkinson's disease is muscle tremors and uncontrollable muscle tension, known as dystonia. However, there are several other symptoms to keep an eye on.
Particularly worrying are problems with handwriting and the loss of automatic movements, such as swinging arms while walking, blinking, or smiling. A slowdown and difficulties with speech might also indicate the presence of Parkinson's disease.