Understanding gut and brain communication in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Mayo Clinic Consortium for Gut Brain Communication in Parkinson's Disease
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10986353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how gut issues like constipation might be linked to Parkinson's disease, and it’s for people with Parkinson's who have constipation, those who don’t, and healthy individuals, to help find better ways to understand and treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $484,200 |
| NIH project number | 1U01DK140921-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986353 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, particularly those experiencing constipation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease who do not experience gastrointestinal symptoms may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly constipation, relate to Parkinson's disease (PD) by exploring the connections between the gut microbiome, environmental factors, and neurodegeneration. The study will involve a multi-disciplinary team analyzing brain-gut dysfunctions and disease signatures in individuals with PD who experience constipation and those who do not, as well as healthy controls. By examining these relationships, the research aims to identify biomarkers that could improve understanding and treatment of PD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for gastrointestinal symptoms in Parkinson's disease, potentially improving overall patient quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain axis in other neurological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bharucha, Adil E. — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Bharucha, Adil E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Gut-brain clues in Parkinson’s disease: supplement to a large registry
A plant-wide supplement to an NIH program will enroll people with Parkinson’s, with and without GI symptoms, plus healthy controls, to study how gut function, brain signals, and sleep rhythms relate to Parkinson’s symptoms.
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Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease: how the gut and environment shape symptoms
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how gut problems, environmental factors, and genetics together influence Parkinson’s disease and its GI symptoms to find biomarkers and better understanding of the disease.
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Gut-brain communication in Parkinson’s disease for better symptoms and daily life
This project enrolls people with Parkinson’s disease and healthy controls to build a big registry and study how gut function, brain signals, sleep, and circadian rhythms relate to PD symptoms.
-
Gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease: how gut bugs relate to symptoms and progression
A multi-year study will look at gut bacteria and related markers in people with Parkinson’s disease to understand how the gut-brain connection may influence symptoms and progression.
-
Gut-Brain Axis in Parkinson’s Disease: biomarkers and procedures to track progression
A patient-focused program to study how gut health and the brain interact in Parkinson’s disease using biomarkers and clinical procedures.
-
Understanding posture and movement in Parkinson’s patients to reduce falls
A study using wearable sensors to track real-world balance and movement in people with Parkinson’s disease to help prevent falls.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.