Podcasts Health Parkinson's Disease Caring Podcast #14: Constipation, poor digestive motility, and digestive emergencies you need to know about to help your loved one with Parkinson's disease (Interview with Gastroenterologist, Dr. Matt Blankenship)

#14: Constipation, poor digestive motility, and digestive emergencies you need to know about to help your loved one with Parkinson's disease (Interview with Gastroenterologist, Dr. Matt Blankenship)

Published: June 20, 2021, 7 a.m.

In this episode, I interview a board certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Matt Blankenship from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Blankenship has experience treating numerous digestive system problems related to Parkinson's disease. He is also one of the most experienced interventionalists in the US regarding Duopa therapy. 

Dr. Blankenship discusses the different types of constipation that our loved ones commonly face throughout the illness with Parkinson's disease. He offers practice treatment advise for this problem including a discussion of both over the counter treatment options as well as prescription therapies. He discusses the new therapy for chronic constipation with brand name Motegrity. 

In this episode, Dr. Blankenship also discusses digestive health screening recommendations both for people with Parkinson's disease and care partners and caregivers. He discusses Duopa therapy. Finally, he educates us on some important symptoms that your loved one may experience that would alert you to seek medical attention promptly. 

The Parkinson's disease Caring Podcast is produced and hosted by Dr. Kevin Klos. Please visit www.pdcaring.com for more resources and information.