What are Non-Motor Symptoms?

Non-motor symptoms are secondary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that are not related to movement.  

Why are Constipation and Urinary Frequency Considered Non-Motor Symptoms?

In many cases Parkinson’s causes changes to the bladder and urinary track..  These changes can occur fairly early in the disease.  So, it’s very common for Parkinson’s patients to complain about constipation or urinary frequency, or both..   

Urinary frequency may be the reason a patient with PD doesn’t want to go out.

If you are the caregiver and notice that your loved one doesn’t want to leave the house, it might be a sign of depression, but it might be something as simple as wanting to be close to a bathroom.  So, ask your loved one.  If you’re not comfortable asking about it, print out the Non-Motor Symptom Recognition sheet and ask your loved one to complete it.  Then use the sheet to start a discussion. 

What Can You Do?

Because many patients with Parkinson’s are older, people sometimes assume that these changes are due to old age, but they may not be.  Both constipation and urinary frequency are usually easily treatable with a change of diet, exercise or medication. 

The most important thing you can do is to tell your doctor.  Your doctor can determine the cause, and the best way to treat symptoms.  But your doctor can’t do anything if you don’t talk about it.  Click here to print the Non-Motor Symptom Recognition sheet,  which you can complete and take to your doctor.