Research on the consequence of weight loss in Parkinson's
New research, published in the scientific journal Neurology, highlights a link between weight loss and poorer future health for people with Parkinson's and other parkinsonisms.
Researchers at the University of Aberdeen looked at the long-term outcomes of 427 participants taking part in the PINE study.
The team discovered that weight loss early on in both Parkinson’s and parkinsonism was linked to a greater risk of dementia and loss of independence in the future.
They suggest that preventing or reversing weight loss may improve long-term outcomes and highlight the need for further research to test this. Read more about the PINE study on the NHS Grampian Charity website.
What causes weight loss?
Weight fluctuation is a common problem for people with Parkinson's.
Sometimes weight loss can be due to practical problems related to food preparation and keeping your food hot while you're eating.
Weight loss can also be related to poor swallowing or severe dyskinesia.
An important predictor
Professor David Dexter, Deputy Director of Research at Parkinson's UK, comments:
"While other studies have demonstrated that weight loss is common in Parkinson's, this is the first to consider the impact this symptom may have.
"Importantly, Cummings and colleagues have shown that loss of large amounts of body weight in the first year after a Parkinson's diagnosis is associated long-term with memory problems, the inability to live independently and premature death.
"This indicates that early marked weight loss in people affected by Parkinson's could serve as an important predictor of a more severe experience, quicker progressions and increasing frailty.
"It has yet to be determined whether this quicker progression can be corrected by supplementation with a high calorie diet, however this could be a key potential development."
Changing your diet
You should speak to a speech and language therapist, your GP or a registered dietitian before changing your diet.