Take a daily probiotic supplement to support gut health in Parkinson's disease

Back to PARKINSON DISEASE (Disorder) trials

Recruiting

What is this trial?

This research study is testing whether a probiotic called Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) can help people with Parkinson's disease and related conditions by reducing methane-producing bacteria in the gut. About half of people with Parkinson's have an overgrowth of these bacteria, which may worsen constipation, slow medication absorption, and affect brain function. The study will see if taking this medication daily can improve these symptoms and protect thinking and memory.

Constipation and gut problems are common in Parkinson's disease and may make the condition worse, including affecting how well the main Parkinson's medication works and contributing to memory problems. This medication has shown promise in early research for reducing problematic bacteria in the gut, but no one has yet tested whether it can help people with Parkinson's and related conditions.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 55 years of age or older
you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, REM sleep behavior disorder, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease, or you are a healthy older adult
you have not taken probiotics or certain digestive medications in the past 3 months
you speak fluent English and can understand study instructions

You likely don't qualify if…

you have other neurological disorders, chronic inflammatory diseases, active cancer, or diabetes (type I or II)
you are currently taking immunosuppressive drugs or steroids
you regularly use anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen more than twice per week
you are a current smoker
you have a known allergy to any ingredients in the probiotic supplement

What participation looks like

If you qualify for the active treatment phase, you will take one daily capsule of the medication for 18 months. The study involves an initial screening visit to measure your methane levels using a simple, non-invasive breath test, followed by regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms, gut health, thinking and memory, and how well you're tolerating the medication. All participants may also be asked to complete some questionnaires and provide information about your health history.

Testing a probiotic to help gut health in Parkinson's disease

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)