A physical symptom of Parkinson's disease for people to be aware of is two key subtle changes to your toilet habits.
It is common for people with the condition to suffer with either constipation or having problems passing urine, as well as balance problems, loss of sense of smell and nerve pain.
Researchers are currently working towards treatments to help those with constipation caused when bowel movements are less frequent and difficult - and Parkinson’s.
It can cause bloating and nausea and significantly impact people’s quality of life.
It has become a major focus of Parkinson’s researchers as it is one of the most persistent symptoms and arise often years before the motor symptoms.
The Michael J.Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research explains: “Constipation is a common symptom of Parkinson's that can cause discomfort and impact the benefit of Parkinson's medications.
“Current medical therapies are limited, but researchers are urgently working toward treatments for constipation in Parkinson's.
“Constipation occurs when bowel movements, or "stools," become less frequent or more difficult to pass. Some define constipation as less than three bowel movements per week, but what constitutes constipation can vary because our usual bathroom patterns differ.
“Some people go every day, while others may go only three or four times per week.
“Constipation can significantly impact quality of life, causing bloating, discomfort and nausea.”
Steps to treat constipation include drinking six large glasses of water a day, adding fibre to your diet, eating smaller meals and exercising regularly.
Last year a new study found hearing loss and epilepsy may be early signs of Parkinson's disease.
The research, published in JAMA Neurology, uncovered the symptoms seen in patients years before a diagnosis.
The first of its kind in the UK, the study analysed the neurodegenerative disorder in a largely diverse population in a bid to take a more in-depth look at how the disease affects all kinds of people, the Daily Record reports.
Researchers found that neither ethnicity nor socio-economic status was linked to an increased or decreased risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
The study, conducted by a team at Queen Mary University of London, investigated both risk factors and pre-diagnostic symptoms.
In order to do this, the researchers analysed the medical records of over one million people living in East London between 1990 and 2018.
Notably, the research found that those who suffer with epilepsy are at greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease in later life.
Despite researchers stating that drug-induced Parkinson's could not be ruled out in this case, this is not the first time epilepsy has been linked to Parkinson's.
