Parkinson's And A Healthy Diet

[chokkie]

Would you recommend that an old gentleman (in his early 80s) who has Parkinson's Disease - and who is gradually deteriorating (albeit slowly), should be on the "Keto Diet", i.e. a virtually carb-free diet? This is a relative of ours who is trying, with his wife, to control their weight. There's something inside of me which feels that this old gentleman should be eating a more balanced diet ... and therefore not be on a carb-free diet - any thoughts out there, please?

[woofgang]

Does he have any kind of congnitive issue which would make him unable to make his own decisions? (capacity issues) Do you think his wife is controlling him? If neither is the case then I think that at 80 he should be eating what he chooses to eat.

[chokkie]

No, he's fully capable of making independent decisions - and his wife isn't controlling at all .. none of this is any of my business of course, I am just concerned that this old gent is getting the proper vitamins etc for (a) his age and (b) his medical condition. And of course, he is perfectly free (and is able) to choose what he wants to eat ... but just showing some concern that this very low carb diet is not giving him the right nutrients on a day to day basis.

[woofgang]

The only comments I would make is that he needs to be careful that such a "one end of the spectrum" diet doesn't affect how his medication works....but I am sure that he would quickly notice any problems in that respect. There is no evidence that I could find to suggest that this might be a problem but from my experience with people with PD which is 11 years ago now, its one of those illnesses where medication management can be tricky. The other problem that a keto diet can give is constipation, which can be an issue with PD anyway....but again he'd notice that pretty quick! Provided he's happy and comfortable then I would leave him to it.

[pastafreak]

A well balanced keto diet will still include plenty of fibre via leafy green veg and berries , so constipation needn't be an issue. Along with a variety of eggs, meat, fish and poultry plus avocados, cheeses, and nuts he can get good nutrition.

[Sqad]

In my opinion it want make a jot of difference one way or another and I would leave him to get on with it.
I agree with both posters above, particularly the summing up of pastafreak

[chokkie]

Thanks everyone, glad to know that this old gent is going to be ok on the Keto diet, and that it won't be detrimental to his Parkinsons - Don't know about the constipation, not the sort of thing that I feel able to discuss with him .... many thanks for all your advice, much appreciated. Cheers, chox.

[anneasquith]

In his 80,s with Parkinson’s, I’d suggest he eats what he wants ( within reason )