Parkinson's disease (PD) is considered the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, after Alzheimer's.
Parkinson's affects nerve cells, or neurons, in a part of the brain that controls muscle movement through
the use of dopamine.
Dopamine serves as a chemical messenger that facilitates communication between the substantia nigra and
another area of the brain called the corpus striatum. This results in the coordination of smooth and balanced
muscle movement. When there's a lack of dopamine, as is the case with Parkinson's, the result is abnormal nerve
functioning, causing a loss in the ability to control body movements.
In Parkinson's, the neurons that make dopamine die or malfunction. The disease results from progressive damage
to these neurons. No one is certain exactly what damages the cells, although there are many theories, including
oxidative stress, heavy metal poisoning, and damage from antipsychotic medications.
Diet and Parkinson's Disease
Several studies have shown an association between Parkinson's and individual foods and nutrients.
Research suggests that a varied diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats can be an
important part of a treatment plan for Parkinson's.
There is some evidence that the Mediterranean diet, a diet high in monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil,
may be beneficial in reducing the incidence of Parkinson's. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fish, especially
those high in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, and fruits and vegetables foods containing antioxidants.
A study at Reina Sofia University Hospital in Cordoba, Spain reviewed several studies and determined that the
olive-oil rich Mediterranean diet was protective against Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, and
cognitive decline. The compounds in olive oil are effective in preventing Parkinson's and
other neurodegenerative diseses.
A study at Harvard examined associations between dietary patterns and risk of Parkinson's and concluded that
the dietary patterns of the Mediterranean diet with a high intake of fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains,
nuts, fish, and poultry and a low intake of saturated fat can protect against Parkinson's.
They suggested adding plant-based foods and fish to diets to prevent Parkinson's.
The following is some additional research on dietary and nutritional guidelines that can have been found to prevent or
help Parkinson's.
