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A review of the gastrointestinal, olfactory, and skin abnormalities in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Mohannad A. Almikhlafi
Neurosciences Journal January 2024, 29 (1) 4-9; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17712/nsj.2024.1.20230062

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  • Table 1

    - Most common Parkinson’s disease-associated GI disorders.

    SymptomsPrevalenceReferences
    Dysphagia (difficulty or discomfort in swallowing)9%–77%(12)
    Gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach)~45%(21)
    (22)
    Bowl disorder (Constipation)61% in PD patients and 24.5% had constipation before the appetence of the motor symptoms(23, 24)
    Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)25%–55%.(15)
  • Table 2

    - Types of skin manifestations and their clinical implications.

    Types of skin disordersPrevalenceLocationPossible clinical treatmentsReferences
    Seborrheic dermatitis18.6%–59%It is mainly located in areas rich in sebum, such as the scalp, face, upper chest, and skin layer under the arms and legs.Topical therapy:

    • - Ketoconazole shampoo

    • - Topical immune suppressants

    		(48)
    Rosacea18.8%cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids.Systemic therapy:

    • - Metronidazole

    • - Topical and systemic (non-immunosuppressive) therapies.

    • - Device/surgery-based therapies.

    		(39, 49)
    Sweating disordershyperhidrosis 38%Affects the palms, soles, underarms, and sometimes the face.Increase sweating can be treated with:

    • - Dopaminergic therapy

    • - Reduction of the (OFF time) period

    • - Long-term subcutaneous apomorphine

    • - Intrajejunal levodopa infusion

    • - Intradermal injection of botulinum toxin.

    		(50)
    hypohidrosis 15%
    Bullous pemphigoid2.3%–17.9%Affects the lower abdomen, upper thighs, or armpits.

    • - Topical corticosteroids or oral doxycycline.

    • - Systemic corticosteroids alone or in combination with adjunctive immune-suppressing or modulating therapies.

    		(41)
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