A 70-year-old male with a history of Parkinson's disease presents with chronic constipation. He has tried increasing his dietary fiber and hydration but with minimal improvement. What are the potential causes and the next steps?
Constipation is a common non-motor symptom in patients with Parkinson's disease, due to the slowing down of the gastrointestinal tract. Other potential causes include side effects from Parkinson's medications, decreased physical activity, or other co-existing conditions. The next steps could include adjusting his Parkinson's medications, introducing a regular exercise routine, and potentially prescribing medications specifically designed to treat constipation, such as a stool softener or a stimulant laxative.