Weight loss alert over Parkinson’s

Patientsmaybetoldtoeatmorecalories

Parkinson’s disease sufferers could make their health worse by losing weight, according to a group of northeast academics.

A team at Aberdeen University has discovered it can lead to decreased life expectancy, an increased risk of dementia and more dependency on carers.

It is now proposing that Parkinson’s patients are more closely monitored and given high calorie diets as required to stave off the issues.

The study followed 275 people with Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonian disorders over the last decade, monitoring their weight and health.

It found that weight loss is common during the early stages of the illness, and is also the first piece of research to link it with an increased risk of becoming dependent, developing dementia and of dying.

Dr Angus MacLeod, who led the study, said: “Weight loss is a common problem in Parkinson’s but it wasn’t clear before we did this how common it was, mainly because of biases in previous studies, or what the consequences were of weight loss.

“Our finding that those who lose weight have poorer outcomes is important because reversing weight loss may therefore improve outcomes.

“Therefore, it is vital that further research investigate whether e.g. high calorie diets will improve outcomes in people with Parkinson’s who lose weight.

The study was partially funded by Parkinson’s UK and the NHS Grampian Endowment Fund.

Professor David Dexter, deputy director of research at Parkinson’s UK, said: “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.

“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.”

An NHS Grampian spokeswoman added: “The NHS Grampian Endowment Fund can be used to enhance healthcare and patient welfare in Grampian and has charitable funds to research all major illnesses.

“Research is carried out at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in partnership with the University of Aberdeen.

“We are delighted that NHS Grampian Endowments has helped fund this valuable work which will retain Aberdeen’s reputation as a centre of excellent in health sciences research.”

“Thiscould beakey potential development”