Parkinson's Disease and Its Effect on the Lower Urinary Tract: Evaluation of Complications and Treatment Strategies

Parkinson's disease (PD) and atypical Parkinsonism are the second most common neurodegenerative movement disorders. Lower urinary tract dysfunction is among the most common types of associated autonomic dysfunctions. Differentiating the subtypes of PD is important for symptom management and understanding prognosis, because Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) can evolve differently depending on the primary disease. LUTS are caused by storage and/or voiding dysfunctions. Urodynamics is a key investigative tool. The complex pathophysiology of this bladder dysfunction is not responsive to levodopa, and add-on therapy is necessary. Newer interventions hold promise as therapy to improve bladder dysfunction.