Unit 5 - Neurological Disorders Flashcards
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome can occur from a deficiency of what vitamin?
Vitamin B1
Pernicious Anemia can occur from a deficiency of what vitamin?
Vitamin B12
Peripheral neuropathy can occur from a deficiency of what vitamin?
Vitamin B6
***Note: An excess of vitamin B6 can also result in peripheral neuropathy!
What can occur due to an iodine deficiency?
Intellectual disability
What assessments can be done in relation to nutrition and neurological disorders?
- Changes in rate of chewing over time
- Extent of dysphagia
- Assessments of cognitive function
- Assessments of physical ability to self-feed (prepare food and eat)
Non oral nutrition is referred to as ________________.
Enteral nutrition
List 3 potential problems of dysphagia.
- Inadequate nutrient intake+ dehydration
- Choking
- Lung infections (aspiration pneumonia)
List 4 strategies for dysphagia
- Mash or liquefy solids
- Thicken liquids
- Micronutrient supplementation
- Enteral nutrition
T/F: More strokes are thromboembolic than hemorrhagic.
True - 85% of strokes are thromboembolic strokes whereas only 15% of strokes are hemorrhagic strokes.
Differentiate between an embolic and thrombotic stroke.
Embolic is plaque blocking a vessel whereas thrombotic is blood clot blocking a vessel
What conditions do we try to control as part of stroke prevention?
Obesity, diabetes and hypertension
Jim has just come home from the hospital after having a thromboembolic stroke.
T/F: Jim should eat a diet low in cholesterol, fat, and salt to reduce his risk of having another stroke.
False - Jim’s main priority right now is to consume an energy-rich, micronutrient-sufficient diet to aid in his recovery.
Define epilepsy.
At least two unprovoked seizures that occur more than 24 hours apart.
Which vitamin deficiencies are possibly related to anti-convulsant medications?
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B9 (folate)
What interaction is seen between folate (vitamin B9) and anti-convulsants?
Anti-convulsants appear to be correlated with folic acid deficiency, however folic acid also seems to interfere with the absorption of the anti-convulsant medication (bi-directional).
John has been using anti-convulsant medications but with no success in managing his epilepsy symptoms. Before he turns to brain surgery, he is wondering if there is anything more conservative that he can do. What nutritional advice might John’s doctor give him as a last resort before surgery?
Ketogenic diet (Very low carbohydrate intake, and composed mainly of fat-rich
and protein-rich foods)
Why are medium chain triglycerides taken when starting the ketogenic diet?
Help create a more efficient state of ketosis
Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are both classified as _______________________ disorders.
Amyloidogenic neurodegenerative
What is meant by “amyloid”?
Misfolding and aggregation of polypeptides
How does L-dopa work to help manage Parkinson’s disease?
L-dopa works as a dopamine agonist in the brain
List 2 interactions L-dopa has with other nutrients in the body.
- Some amino acids (e.g., phenylalanine, tryptophan, isoleucine) compete for L-dopa absorption
- High vitamin B6 sources (supplements) may decrease L-dopa’s availability to the brain
Which protein is compromised in Parkinson’s disease?
alpha-synuclein protein
Which protein is compromised in Alzheimer’s disease?
beta-amyloid polypeptides
List the cognitive problems that arise during eating for people with Alzheimer’s and explain how they can be managed.
- Don’t recognize food/drink as such
- Increased distraction/decreased attention during meals
⇒ may require verbal guidance - Increased paranoia, anger, violence
⇒ structured routine is recommended for feeding, in the same place every day
⇒ Any disruptive or distracting agents in the eating environment should be identified and removed
List 3 Nutritional recommendations for Alzheimer’s.
- Nutrient dense foods
- Nutrient supplements (deficiencies are common)
- Frequent snacks
