Usually the warning signs are tremor, even at rest and bradykinesia (slowing down of all voluntary movements). These symptoms then result in disturbed balance, awkward gait and hunched posture. These are the classic clues, so to speak, of Parkinson’s disease which is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disease. According to the Dino Ferrari Center of the University of Milan, this disease affects about 4.5 million people over the age of 50.
A different point of origin
However, recent research identifies the origin of Parkinson’s also in the intestine (as well as in the brain). The Veronesi Foundation realizes this by leveraging the revelation of a group of Danish scientists from the University of Aarhus. So Parkinson’s disease can be divided into two variants that originate in two distinct parts of the body. In the intestine and from there to the brain or from the brain and then spread to the intestine or other organs such as the heart. The conclusion comes after very sophisticated and cutting-edge studies that start from the evaluation of very varied symptoms.
Beware of these unsuspected symptoms that could be a wake-up call for this neurodegenerative disease
Research shows that some Parkinson’s sufferers have a gut with a different microbiome than healthy people. The signs that can arouse suspicion are constipation, a decrease in smell, a sudden increase in salivation. Another clue may be the REM sleep disorder that occurs in people who kick, fidget and talk while they sleep. But be careful because these symptoms are taken into consideration as part of an overall evaluation of the patient by a specialist. Individually, constipation as well as a lazy intestine can mean a lot more. Sometimes it can just be the result of a bad diet. So the evaluations must always be specialized.
What changes for patients
Beware of these unsuspected symptoms that could be a wake-up call for this degenerative disease.
All this means that the disease today has more facets that go beyond the so-called classic symptoms of tremor. In fact, doctors ask for more in the evaluation: if and how the bowel attitude has changed, any changes in salivation and smell. As well as a possible slowdown in digestion. But what changes if the origin is in the brain or in the intestine? According to the research, understanding the point of origin well allows for more targeted therapies.
In fact, ongoing research is trying to understand if acting on the microbiota it is possible to influence the progress and course of the disease. An extra hope, therefore, for those suffering from this pathology. Those who suspect must therefore pay attention to these unsuspected symptoms which could represent a wake-up call for this degenerative disease. It is important to always report everything to the doctor and start performing in-depth examinations to discern the origin of any irregularity in the functionality of our body. Especially if it is persistent.