Nutrients Intake and Dietary Quality of Korean Parkinson's Disease Patients According to the Duration of Disease

Lee, Ju Yeon; An, Tae Beom; Jeon, Beom Seok; Kim, Yun Young; Choue, Ryo Won

Abstract

Both genetic and environmental factors play important roles in the pathogenesis of Parkinson Disease (PD). The contribution of many environmental factors including dietary factor remains unproven. The purpose the study was to investigate the dietary habits, nutrient intake and dietary quality of Korean PD patients according to the duration of disease. PD patients were recruited from K and S university hospitals from May 2005 to January 2006. This study was carried out after approval by the Institute Review Board (IRB). British Brain Bank criteria was used to diagnose PD. The subjects were classified into 2 groups based on the duration of PD: < 25 months and > or = 25 months groups. General characteristics, anthropometric measurements, food habits and dietary intakes were investigated. The results of this study were as follows: 1) The mean age of < 25 months group (66.9 +/-8.0 yr) was significantly higher than that of > or = 25 months group (62.2 +/- 8.8 yr) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found for academic background, occupation, living status and social activity, however, numbers of diseases, exercise and family history of PD were significantly different. 2) Anthropometric measurements were not different between the two groups. 3) The frequency of taking snacks was significantly higher in <25 months group and the amounts of alcohol consumption were significantly higher in > or = 25 months group. 4) Daily intakes of most nutrients were very low compared with DRI. 5) The MAR score was significantly lower in < 25 months group (p < 0.05;) however, the scores of DVS, DDS and DQI were not significantly different. As a conclusion an overall nutrient intake and dietary quality of the Parkinson's Disease patients need to be improved regardless of duration of the disease and a well-balanced diet should be emphasized.