Is it common for Parkinson patients to have anemia
Anemia: Is it common for Parkinson patients... - Cure Parkinson's
Anemia
Written by
Gappy
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8 Replies
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It's not uncommon.
That is an excellent question! I had anemia, diagnosed by my family doctor, several years before I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. It is mild, and the doc has me on iron pills every day. Many tests have been run, including urine, blood, and colostomy testing, and no cause has been found. It is persistent, so, perhaps, it goes along with PD, in some people. I have not read any research papers on this subject, so this is pure speculation on my part.
My red blood count is down a bit but I’m not anemic. Could it be from he decreased amount of protein PWP consume due to the conflict with PD meds?
Good question! I will do some research and try to find out for us.
I had serious anemia last year and was diagnosed with PD 5 years ago. Appeared I was losing blood. After endoscopy and colonoscopy the source (stomach ulcers) was found (not a family problem). Culprit was H. Pylori bacteria (known to be a cause of ulcers). H. Pylori is found with high degree of frequency in PwP's. H. Pylori can be eliminated with antibiotics. I wonder if some aspect of PD encourages the growth of H. Pylori . . . and starts a chain of events as I have described.
I have had persistent problems with anemia. I go to my hematologist every 4-6 months. if needed, I get infused with iron. They think that it's due to having a gastric bypass and decreased food absorption. Once again, no family history of anemia, just like no family history of any kind of neuro disease.
I know for a fact that my white blood cell count Is lower due to the medication of carbidopa levodopa.I need to be checked every six months now by hematologist.
My HBC is on the lower side. Currently on iron supplement.
