Date of Award
Spring 2021
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Amanda Murphy, PA-C
Abstract
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that results from the depletion of dopamine-secreting nerve cells. The mainstay of treatment for PD is Levodopa, a precursor to dopamine, which helps replenish dopamine levels in the body. However, this treatment is not curative and does not delay disease progression. PD, as an alpha-synucleinopathy, is hypothesized to have a potential pathway of disease development and progression through the brain-gut axis. This literature review investigated the effect of probiotics supplementation in the treatment of PD. Although the analysis of six articles demonstrated only one study with definitive benefits of probiotics supplementation in PD, it was concluded that probiotic supplementation should be considered an adjunct therapy in PD treatment due to its generally safe profile.
Recommended Citation
Tse, Sophia, "Effect of Probiotics Supplementation in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease" (2021). Capstone Showcase. 108.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2021/pa/108
Effect of Probiotics Supplementation in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that results from the depletion of dopamine-secreting nerve cells. The mainstay of treatment for PD is Levodopa, a precursor to dopamine, which helps replenish dopamine levels in the body. However, this treatment is not curative and does not delay disease progression. PD, as an alpha-synucleinopathy, is hypothesized to have a potential pathway of disease development and progression through the brain-gut axis. This literature review investigated the effect of probiotics supplementation in the treatment of PD. Although the analysis of six articles demonstrated only one study with definitive benefits of probiotics supplementation in PD, it was concluded that probiotic supplementation should be considered an adjunct therapy in PD treatment due to its generally safe profile.