Food consumption in patients with Parkinson's disease and its impact on disease prognosis and drug therapy

Resumo

This study evaluated the dietary intake of patients with Parkinson’s disease in a small city of Brazil’s Northeast. To assess food consumption, was applied the 24-hour recall which uses the RDA 1989 as a benchmark. Was observed that patients, not having access to nutritional information, do not know about the limitation and food requirements imposed by the disease. All parameters analyzed: total energy, macronutrient, minerals and vitamins intake as well as protein intake throughout the day, were in disconformity with what is recommended by the RDA and discord with the own needs with this group of patients. Was noted that the exemption of the professional nutritionist to health care triggers improper actions that may worsen the patient's physical condition and their quality of life besides likewise not be benefited with nutriments that could alleviate the symptoms of the disease, what ends up burdening further the public health system.