Lower urinary tract dysfunction and constipation in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

The lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and constipation are prevalent in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Regarding LUTD, urinary storage dysfunction, such as overactive bladder symptoms, is commonly treated with antimuscarinic drugs or beta-3 adrenoceptor agonists. Impairment of the dopamine D1 receptor-mediated direct pathway and the medial prefrontal cortex, which are recognized as important centers for micturition control, may contribute to LUTD in PD patients. Although many PD patients suffer from constipation, evidence supporting the efficacy of newly developed laxatives is gradually accumulating. This review will provide an overview of the symptoms, diagnosis, therapy, and pathophysiology of LUTD and constipation in PD.