| Title: | Constipation preceding stroke, dementia and Parkinson's disease in middle-aged and older adults: a population-based cohort study |
| Journal: | Age and Ageing |
| Published: | 29 Aug 2025 |
| Pubmed: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40975837/ |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afaf257 |
| URL: | https://pure.eur.nl/en/publications/efd445ab-43fd-426c-93e2-2ba091146676 |
Publication 19624
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous research indicates that constipation may be an early symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it remains uncertain whether constipation is a unique symptom prior to PD or to other major neurological disorders as well. This study aimed to explore the association between premorbid constipation and three major neurological disorders: stroke, dementia and PD.</p>
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from UK Biobank. Constipation was defined based on diagnosed cases in electronic health records, self-reported instances or regular laxative use. The primary outcome was defined as the first onset of any of three neurological disorders: stroke, dementia and PD. Cox regression was used to adjust for socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, medical conditions and regular medication use.</p>
RESULTS: Out of 462,327 eligible participants, those with constipation were associated with higher incidence of three outcome diseases (1415/20,263 [7.0%]) than those without (18,848/442,064 [4.3%]), with adjusted hazard ratio (HR) being 1.35 [1.27-1.42]. Specifically, those with constipation had a 20%, 50% and 56% higher risk of stroke, dementia and PD, respectively. Both self-reported and diagnosed constipation were associated with a higher risk of these conditions, with HR being 1.31 (1.23-1.40) and 1.44 (1.30-1.59), respectively. Interestingly, the association between constipation and neurological disorders was stronger within the first 2 years from baseline.</p>
DISCUSSION: These findings support the biological link between constipation and neurological disorders. Given its potential role as a prodromal symptom for these diseases, both diagnosed and self-reported constipation should be considered in risk prediction models.</p>
16 Keywords
- Age Factors
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Constipation
- Dementia
- Female
- Humans
- Incidence
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Parkinson Disease
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Assessment
- Risk Factors
- Stroke
- United Kingdom
11 Authors
- Qingping Yun
- Shiyu Wang
- Bingyu Li
- Zhirong Yang
- Chang Wei
- Jinqiu Yuan
- Jun Hu
- Ye Li
- Zuyao Yang
- Feng Sha
- Jinling Tang
1 Application
| Application ID | Title |
|---|---|
| 80476 | Risk factors and prognosis of common mental disorders |
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