Objective: To analyze the relationship between nutritional status and weight in 3 groups of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who are receiving different pharmacological therapies such as oral levodopa (L-dopa), intestinal levodopa/carbidopa (Duodopa), or deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. Among the non-motor symptoms, nutritional alterations significantly impact the quality of life (QoL) of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Method: We conducted a pilot study involving 87 Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients who were divided into three treatment groups: 33 receiving oral L-dopa treatment, 24 undergoing Duodopa therapy, and 30 undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Assessments included evaluations of motor function (using UPDRS and Hoehn and Yahr scale), non-motor symptoms (NMSS scale), general cognitive status (MoCA), and QoL (PDQ-39). Nutritional status was assessed using the MNA scale (Mini Nutritional Assessment) and through the levels of vitamins B6-B12, homocysteine, and proteinogram. Subsequently, only nutritional status was reassessed using MNA and weight measurements at follow-up (6 months).

Results: At baseline, there were significant differences in nutritional status (MNA, weight, and albumin), motor symptoms (UPDRS I, II, III), in non-motor, cognitive, and QoL scales between the L-dopa, Duodopa, and DBS groups (p<.05). At 6 months, although there were no significant differences in weight in the groups, there was a significant improvement in the nutritional scale in the Duodopa group, where changes occur in the nutritional scale from the basal level at 6 months

Conclusion: Our results suggest significant nutritional, motor and non-motor, cognitive and quality of life differences between the groups at the beginning of the study; however, at 6 months, weight stabilization will be obtained in all treatment groups, without showing substantial changes. Notable improvements were evident on the MNA nutritional scale in the Duodopa group after 6 months, as patients reported having a better nutritional status.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/nutritional-status-implication-at-6-months-in-parkinsons-disease-follow-up-results/