Lower urinary tract symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: A review
Lower urinary tract symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: A review
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Original abstract
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) manifests not only through its characteristic motor symptoms but also through a wide range of non-motor symptoms. Of these, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are among the most frequent non-motor manifestations, with their prevalence increasing as the disease progresses. LUTS significantly impair patients’ quality of life and cause considerable distress, particularly as symptom severity increases. LUTS represent a clinical challenge for physicians treating patients with PD and often require an interdisciplinary approach to achieve accurate diagnosis and effective management. Objective: Based on the scientific literature and current guidelines, we briefly discuss the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic options related to LUTS. To improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms of LUTS in PD, the influence of the basal ganglia and, in particular, dopamine deficiency is discussed based on currently hypothesized models. Therapeutic strategies for the management of LUTS are outlined, along with their limitations and key considerations in determining the most appropriate treatment approach. Furthermore, differential diagnoses and potential comorbidities accompanying PD, as well as correlations between LUTS and other neurological disorders and their shared therapeutic aspects, are discussed. Conclusion: Given the high prevalence and substantial clinical impact of urinary tract symptoms in PD, as well as the limited availability of comprehensive data, further studies are warranted to refine therapeutic strategies and improve patients’ quality of life.