There are common misconceptions that nutrition is only important in the mid to late stages of Parkinson’s and primarily for older individuals. However, nutrition is crucial from diagnosis through all stages of Parkinson’s. Having an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) as a member of your multidisciplinary care team in Parkinson’s management is incredibly beneficial and highly recommended.

 What is an APD?

An APD is a university-qualified expert who provides evidence-based medical nutrition therapy to manage health conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. An APD understands how nutrition affects the body and uses this knowledge when treating you. An APD holds the only nutrition credential recognised by Medicare, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and many private health funds.

Note: while Nutritionists provide general dietary advice and promote healthy eating habits, an APD is the only Allied Health professional recognised by Medicare to provide medical nutrition therapy.

 Why should I have an APD on my multidisciplinary care team?

Expert guidance:

  • With their accredited training, APDs offer evidence-based advice, debunking nutrition myths and ensuring you get accurate information.

Support & education:

  • An APD can provide practical and easy-to-follow advice and can help you stay informed about the latest research and best practices. An APD can also provide ongoing support to help navigate dietary challenges.

Personalised meal plans:

  • Working with you, an APD can develop a personalised plan designed to help your specific needs with the goal to optimise your nutritional health and wellbeing.

Guidance on vitamin and mineral supplements:

  • An APD can advise on specific vitamin and mineral supplements you may require based on your individualised nutritional needs. In consultation with your GP, your APD may suggest having a blood test to evaluate nutrient levels.
  • An APD can also advise on supplement safety to avoid potential adverse health effects and possible interactions with your prescribed medications.

Support bone health: 

  • As people with Parkinson’s are at higher risk for osteoporosis, an APD can advise on key nutrients for bone health, including protein, calcium, and vitamin D.

Guidance on dietary patterns:

  • An APD can discuss and advise on the healthy dietary patterns with positive associations to Parkinson’s and tailor them to your specific needs. These dietary patterns tend to be high in unsaturated fats, antioxidants, and fibre.

Medication management:

  • An APD can provide individualised advice regarding your protein requirements. An APD can also provide guidance in arranging mealtimes around levodopa times, and if required, the appropriate distribution of protein intake throughout the day.

 Symptom management:

  • An APD can provide individualised dietary strategies to help manage some of the non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s, including:
    • Gastrointestinal issues e.g. nausea, constipation, slow stomach emptying, etc.
    • Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
    • Decreased appetite
    • Weight changes e.g. unintentional weight loss, weight gain
    • Low blood pressure (Orthostatic Hypotension)

 During a consultation with an APD, the following may occur:

  • A nutritional needs assessment.
  • Creation of a meal plan that accounts for your specific needs and medication schedule.
  • Nutrition counselling, which may include advice on diet, supplements, potential of food and medication interactions, timing of meals, along with dietary management of certain non-motor symptoms.

 Accessing APD services

Explore available pathways to the support that best suits your individual needs. Consider the following when accessing APD services:

  • Speak with your GP about referral to an APD who has experience consulting people with Parkinson’s.
  • If you have a chronic health condition and a care plan from your GP (chronic condition management plan), you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate when you see an APD.
  • Your state-based Parkinson’s organisation may be able to advise on APDs to access.
  • If you have private health insurance, contact your insurer to check what is covered in relation to APD consultations.
  • NDIS participants may be able to access support for an APD consultation. To access this funding, individuals should consult with their support coordinator or plan manager.

To find an Accredited Practising Dietitian near you, visit the Dietitians Australia website.

 References:

 Info sheet kindly reviewed by Amy Neill, APD and creator of Parkinson Diet

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