Objective: To assess the type of dietetic consultation services used in a Parkinson Disease Center of Excellence (PDCE) for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). 2.To evaluate patient satisfaction, experiences, and appropriateness regarding the dietitian’s medical nutrition therapy (MNT) services.

Background: Dietitian led nutrition interventions can improve nutritional status, and the motor and non-motor symptoms among individuals with PD. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation services are recommended for people with PD. The National Institute of Health Care and Excellence guidelines (2017) for PD in Adults suggests referring people to a dietitian for dietary advice. However, despite dietitians being recognized as vital members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team, there remains a significant gap in the literature concerning the effectiveness of dietitian services within comprehensive PD care, particularly in managing motor and non-motor symptoms.

Method: Data were collected between October 2021 to February 2024 in the outpatient PDCE clinic. Information on age, body weight, and PD-related clinical indicators were gathered through retrospective chart review for individuals referred to a dietitian consult during their routine clinic visits by neurologists. Following routine protocol, nursing telephone follow-up was conducted to arrange a subsequent appointment with the dietitian. During these follow-up calls, nurses administered and documented responses to a Likert-based satisfaction telephone survey, which encompassed dietary change patterns and overall experiences with the dietetic consults.

Results: A total of sixty individuals with PD were referred for dietitian consult. Neurologists utilized dietitian services for patients with unintentional weight loss, overweight/obesity, gastroparesis, constipation, swallowing difficulties, and dietary inquiries. Patients reported increased water and fruit intake after dietitian-led consults and expressed satisfaction with the services provided.

Conclusion: The evaluation of MNT services for PD management provides valuable insights for quality improvement initiatives within PD clinical practice settings. This information is instrumental in determining the benefits of nutrition rehabilitation interventions to enhance the long-term quality of life for individuals with PD.

References: Roberts AC, Rafferty MR, Wu SS, et al. Patterns and predictors of referrals to allied health services for individuals with Parkinson’s disease: A Parkinson’s foundation (PF) QII study. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2021;83:115-122. doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.2020.11.024
Goldman JG, Volpe D, Ellis TD, et al. Delivering Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Care in Parkinson’s Disease: An International Consensus Statement. J Parkinsons Dis. 2024;14(1):135-166. doi:10.3233/JPD-230117 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10836578/
Fullard ME, Thibault DP, Hill A, et al. Utilization of rehabilitation therapy services in Parkinson disease in the United States. Neurology. 2017;89(11):1162-1169. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000004355
Ferrazzoli D., Ortelli P., Zivi I. Efficacy of intensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease: a randomised controlled study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2018;89:828–835

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