Discuss the major nutrition concerns associated with Parkinson's. Provide evidence for any of these that Mrs. McCormick may be experiencing

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• Fiber and nutrient intakes (energy and protein), fluid and micronutrient balance, and pharmaconutrient interactions (protein and levodopa); both body weight gain and loss may occur during the course of the disease due to changes in both energy expenditure and food intake; dysphagia may be responsible for intake impairment and fluid balance; constipation, gastroparesis, and gastroesophageal reflux may occur with Parkinson's and affect quality of life and nutritional status
• Mrs. McCormick has experienced a weight loss of 20# from UBW, as noted. She has trouble eating by mouth, based on the low PO intake and low fiber intake noted in her food recall (liquids mainly); lab values; and evidence of protein wasting (fat and muscle wasting, low Braden score). Constipation is indicated by dark/hard stools. GERD is indicated by her difficulty swallowing and feeling of choking; dehydration, by elements of her H&P such as poor skin turgor; and probable micronutrient deficiencies, by her angular stomatitis, cheilosis, koilonychia, and lab values suggesting anemia. Mrs. McCormick is likely experiencing dysphagia based on her difficulty swallowing and history of Parkinson's disease.