Date of Award

2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nutrition

Department

Nutrition

First Advisor

Ingrid E. Lofgren

Abstract

Poor diet quality (DQ) and reduced quality of life (QoL) are concerns for people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD). Non-motor (NMS) and motor symptoms (MS) significantly impact the DQ and QoL of PwPD which can be alleviated through diet intervention. This study examined the relationship between DQ and QoL in PwPD and investigated participant perspectives to identify themes related to nutrition care. This was a secondary data analysis of EMPOWER PD. Diet intake was assessed via the Dietary Screening Tool (DST). Quality of life was assessed by the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39-item (PDQ-39). Participant perspectives were collected through 1:1 interviews. Nineteen participants with idiopathic PD were included in analyses. Early/mid and advanced disease stage were classified as < 10 and ≥10 years since diagnosis, respectively. DST total scores categorized nutritional risk: "at risk: < 60 and “possible risk/no risk” ≥60. Those in the advanced stage had significantly higher DST scores (69.6±5.9 vs 57.5±8.5, p=0.01). There was no association between nutritional risk and QoL although 18 participants were at risk or possible risk of malnutrition. Mean PDQ-39 scores for early/mid and advanced PD stage imply low QoL (21.8±12.7 vs 20.8±13.3, p=0.9). Results indicated no mediation effect of NMS on DQ and QoL yet there was a significant association between NMS and QoL (β=0.57, R2=0.59, p< 0.001). Participant interviews revealed the importance of nutrition education, mental health advocacy and barriers to dietitian referrals. Nutrition intervention at an earlier stage could benefit the DQ and QoL of PwPD of all disease stages focusing on NMS management.

Included in

Nutrition Commons

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