Abstract

Recent research has focused on the role gut microbiota play in disease progression, particularly neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is characterized by motor impairments, such as resting tremor, bradykinesia and rigidity, as well as non-motor symptoms, such as constipation and gastroparesis. Years before motor deficits are seen, prior to diagnosis, PD patients often experience gastrointestinal changes. It is proposed that alterations in gut microbiota precede these gastrointestinal changes. Investigating the changes in gut microbiota of PD patients could lead to the development of new therapeutics, potentially altering the course of disease or delaying the onset. We researched recent studies in PD patients that involved alterations to their gut microbiome to further study this intrinsic relationship. The findings from this scoping review highlight the correlation between gut microbiome and symptom progression in Parkinson’s disease. Specifically, current research suggests that changes in metabolic processes and gut-microbial diversity correlate with worsening motor symptoms such as gait disturbances, akinesia, rigidity, postural disturbances, and tremors. Research also suggests the benefits of incorporating probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus planetarium PS128 or a multi-strain probiotic, prebiotics, adopting a vegetarian diet with or without enema use, and symptomatic relief with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in PD patients.