Re: Feedback on Medication

["Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD" <fivestar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear David,
Weight loss occurs frequently in people with PD. There are many possible
reasons, among them:

- loss of the sense of smell and taste, with less interest in food
- depression, decreased desire to eat
- tremor, dyskinesia, and/or rigidity, all of which can burn extra
calories
- inability to eat at a normal rate, cannot finish meals
- fear of choking, acid reflux and/or constipation, with refusal to eat
adequate amounts of food

The best thing is to ask for a referral to a registered dietitian who is
experienced in PD. S/he will assess the probable cause of the weight
loss and design an individual eating plan specific for your mother's
needs.

If you cannot locate an RD, the next best thing is to offer small snacks
of favorite foods at frequent intervals throughout the day and evening.
These don't necessarily have to be high in fat; fatty foods will cause a
feeling of fullness for a long time, and she then may not want to eat
her meals. Offer juices also, rather than water -- she needs plenty of
fluids, but juices will provide calories as well. Calcium-fortified
orange juice is a good choice.

Your mother is very fortunate to have your love and concern.
My very best regards,
Kathrynne

David Rehm wrote:
> What about weight loss???
>
> My mom, diag with Parkinsonsm since 1996, continues to eat well.  Breakfast 
> usually
> consists of toast, pancakes, or waffles, orange juice, coffee (2 cups), lunch 
> can
> be as simple as a peanut butter and mayo sandwich, dinner - full meal (not a 
> large
> portion).  However, she is - and has been - slowly losing weight.  She is 5'7 
> and
> weighed 175 or so when she had to go to the hospital in 1996.  Now she is 
> around
> 138 - 140 range.  My dad and I have to take her clothes in so they dont fall 
> down
> on her.
>
> Just the opposite of weight gain here.  We have consulted her primary GP and 
> then
> to her gastroenterologist.  They ran blood tests on iron and such.  They had 
> her
> receive a series of B-12 shots.  That was around 8 or 9 months ago.  Still
> gradually losing weight.  Though she has a drop left foot, she still manages 
> to
> walk - with assistance - a good distance in the evenings.  She is attending
> physical therapy 3 times a week.  Granted, she has bouts of confusion that 
> worry us
> - these seem to be increasing - and periods of physically hitting out at us 
> when we
> are trying to help her (these actions can just occur at just anytime).  We 
> just put
> it off to the Parkinsons.  Her neurologist has been of no help in this regard 
> - we
> have an appointment with a movement disorder specialist late next month in 
> attempt
> to get a better diagnosis and plan of action to help her more.
>
> Any suggestions as to the weight loss?  Any comments would be greatly 
> appreciated.
>
> David Rehm, son & caregiver of Patricia, 69, diag 64
> drehm@xxxxxxxxxxxxx







--
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD
Medical nutrition therapy for Parkinson's disease
Author: "Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease"
"Parkinson's disease: interview and assessment tools for nutrition
professionals"
"Risk for malnutrition and bone fracture in Parkinson'sdisease," J Nutr
Elderly. V18:3;1999.