The identification of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is mainly dependent on motor
symptoms, while the non-motor symptoms exist even decades ahead of the PD
diagnosis. According to Braak’s hypothesis, the enteric plexus is the first affected
site during the pathological development of PD, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms
appear during the onset of the disease. Although GI symptoms decrease the life
quality of patients with PD, there is often less focus on GI symptoms compared with
motor symptoms. In this review, we summarize the pathophysiological basis, clinical
manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment of GI symptoms in patients with PD. We also
discuss the treatment and research dilemmas, as well as the research direction in the
near future. CLICK TO REVIEW
Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; Non-motor symptoms; Gastrointestinal symptoms; Braingut axis; Management