Mechanisms of α‐Synuclein Pathology and Treatment in the Enteric Nervous System

α‐synuclein (Lewy Body) pathology is commonly found in the enteric nervous system (ENS) of patients diagnosed with Neurocognitive Disorder with Lewy Bodies (NCDLB) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Lewy pathology in the ENS can produce symptoms of bowel immotility, including constipation, obstipation, and bowel impaction. These symptoms significantly reduce the quality of life for the patient, producing hardship for the patient and care providers. In Lewy body patients, medical intervention using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) can significantly reduce or alleviate bowel immotility. The specific mechanism through which the cholinergic agonist Donepezil mitigates Lewy Body bowel immotility is explained.