Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of dopamine producing nerve cells in the brain.
Dopamine is a substance called a neurotransmitter; this helps to control muscle movement. Hence as the disease progresses the sufferer slowly loses control over their muscle movements.
Early symptoms may include a slowing down in muscle movements, stiffness and unsteady gait. As the disease progresses these symptoms become more severe.
Additionally the characteristic ‘shaking’, called tremors, may begin. Though the type and severity of symptoms differ between individuals.
There is no test to enable diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, therefore it is diagnosed by excluding any other possible causes for the symptoms.
A person with Parkinson’s disease is at high risk of undernutrition due to the nature of many of the symptoms. Furthermore as the disease is slow onset, your life-span is not necessarily reduced and as the disease progresses the risk of undernutrition increases.
How can an Eatatease Dietitian help?
An e-consultation with an Eatatease Dietitian allows you to have a truly personal, comprehensive dietary assessment undertaken by a UK registered Dietitian.
Get PERSONALLY tailored diet advice about Parkinson's from one of our registered dietitians!
|
