Faecal transplant trial aims to reduce discomfort felt by people with Parkinson's disease

Summary

Poo transplants. Sounds disgusting? Not for Parkinson's Disease patient Cassandra Hewett. The former health sector worker is accustomed to dealing with bodily functions and fluids, so there was no hesitation. Ms Hewett was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's disease three years ago. Young onset Parkinson's disease presents visible symptoms such as tremors of limbs and the face as well as postural instability. However, people living with the disease also suffer from unseen symptoms such as depression, sleep disturbances and constipation. In a collaboration between The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Royal Adelaide Hospital and biotechnology company BiomeBank, faecal transplants are the latest treatment option being trialled in people living with Parkinson's. With constipation affecting 90 per cent of sufferers, research has indicated the microbiome within the gut may influence the response to existing therapies for Parkinson's. Medical experts hope the faecal transplants will be a 'game changer' for those suffering from constipation.

References

Sep 2020 ABC News Experts warn coronavirus may cause 'wave' of neurological conditions including Parkinson's disease

Sep 2020 Veterans Affairs Pilot study: Fecal transplant helps alcohol cravings

Feb 2021 Psychology Today Ready for Your Fecal Transplant?

Jul 2021 BiomeBank Faecal transplants to help treat symptoms of Parkinson’s

RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE, GUIDELINES, LEARNING OUTCOMES, ETC |