Which statement about autonomic changes in Parkinson's disease is true?

Which statement about autonomic changes in Parkinson's disease is true?

• A. Salivation is an autonomic change seen in Parkinson's disease
• B. Increased appetite is an autonomic change
• C. Improved bladder control is an autonomic change
• D. Weight gain is an autonomic change

Answer: (A)

Autonomic dysfunction is a common non-motor feature of Parkinson's disease, affecting areas like saliva, bladder, gut, and sweating. A classic autonomic change is sialorrhea, or drooling, which occurs because swallowing becomes slower and saliva clearance is impaired, even though saliva production may not be increased. This makes salivation the correct statement about autonomic changes in PD. In contrast, increased appetite and weight gain are not typical autonomic changes in Parkinson's. Weight loss is more common as the disease progresses, influenced by reduced activity, dyskinesias, and other non-motor symptoms. Bladder problems in PD usually manifest as urgency, frequency, nocturia, or incontinence rather than improved bladder control.

Autonomic dysfunction is a common non-motor feature of Parkinson's disease, affecting areas like saliva, bladder, gut, and sweating. A classic autonomic change is sialorrhea, or drooling, which occurs because swallowing becomes slower and saliva clearance is impaired, even though saliva production may not be increased. This makes salivation the correct statement about autonomic changes in PD.

In contrast, increased appetite and weight gain are not typical autonomic changes in Parkinson's. Weight loss is more common as the disease progresses, influenced by reduced activity, dyskinesias, and other non-motor symptoms. Bladder problems in PD usually manifest as urgency, frequency, nocturia, or incontinence rather than improved bladder control.