Malnutrition and Neurodegenerative Diseases

With the aging population, the prevalence of the two most common neurodegenerative disorders, namely Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, is likely to increase. Given the presence of disease symptoms that are also risk factors for poor nutritional status, weight loss and malnutrition are commonly reported as issues. However, a consensus has not been reached regarding the prevalence and significance of poor nutritional status. Using validated nutrition screening and assessment tools, 14.1–55.9% and 0–12.6% of people with mild Alzheimer’s disease are at risk of malnutrition and malnourishment, respectively, while 17.2–23.5% and 0–40% of people with mild to severe Parkinson’s disease are at risk of malnutrition and malnourishment, respectively. Disease-specific factors are predictive of nutritional status, and greater disease severity is particularly important. Nutrition intervention data are lacking, but needed, for both diseases. Nutrition screening should occur early in the disease by health professionals with regular patient contact.