Fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) take healthy bacteria from stool provided healthy individuals, and transfer it to a donor with gut microbiome dysbiosis. Typically, fecal transplants are performed to treat C. difficile infections and prevent C. difficile from returning. However, the medical field is beginning to explore fecal transplants as a potentially therapeutic option in other indications, such as ulcerative colitis or Parkinson’s disease. Inside Medicine reports on a study spearheaded by a Helsinki University research team that explored the use of FMTs in Parkinson’s disease.

Past studies have suggested that gut microbiome dysfunction is common in Parkinson’s disease. In the study findings, published in JAMA Neurology, the authors note that this dysfunction is associated with both motor and nonmotor symptoms. Additionally, some studies hypothesized that the worse the gut microbiome dysfunction, the more progressive the disease. As such, researchers wondered whether FMTs could address the dysfunction and reduce associated symptoms.

45 participants with Parkinson’s disease who also had gut microbiome dysfunction enrolled in the study. Participants received either a fecal microbiota transplant or a placebo. Key study findings include:

• People receiving the placebo required more dopaminergic medication to control symptoms when compared to the FMT group after six months.
• Fecal microbiota transplants showed no significant symptom improvement compared to the placebo. While some individuals who underwent FMT had lower rates of anxiety, the placebo group actually reported more symptom improvement overall.
• FMTs were well-tolerated and safe to use. People who received FMTs were, however, more likely to report adverse gastrointestinal reactions compared to the placebo group.

The researchers hope that further studies into FMTs for Parkinson’s disease could provide additional insights.

About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive and degenerative central nervous system disorder that causes part of the brain to deteriorate. As the brain becomes increasingly damaged, muscle control and balance worsen. But Parkinson’s disease can cause numerous other symptoms and manifestations, such as:

• Tremors, especially when your muscles are at rest
• Muscle rigidity
• Micrographia (cramped handwriting)
• Slowed movement
• Loss of smell
• Difficulty blinking or smiling due to facial muscle weakness
• Impaired balance and coordination
• Difficulty swallowing
• An unusually quiet voice, or other speech changes such as slurred speech or stuttering
• Hallucinations and/or delusions

Right now, we don’t fully understand what causes this condition. We do know that Parkinson’s disease is slightly more common in males than females, and that the risk increases with age. Additionally, we recognize that dopaminergic neuron death plays a role in Parkinson’s disease, but it’s unclear what causes those neurons to die. However, Parkinson’s disease research continues to ramp up, bringing valuable insights and support to the community.

Treatments for this condition include dopamine substitutes, carbidopa-levodopa, anticholinergics, amantadine, COMT inhibitors, and MAO-B inhibitors. Please speak with your physician for the most tailored treatment option.

If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s disease and needs support, consider contacting the Parkinson’s Foundation.