Neurological Disorders Pt 2

Question 1

What causes ALD?

Answer 1

Genetic enzyme deficiency that impairs metabolism of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs)

Question 2

What organs are affected by VLCFA accumulation in ALD?

Answer 2

Brain and adrenal glands

Question 3

Is ALD preventable?

Answer 3

No, it’s a genetic disorder

Question 4

What is Lorenzo’s Oil and what does it do?

Answer 4

A mix of oleic acid and erucic acid; slows progression by lowering VLCFAs, but is not a cure

Question 5

Why doesn’t a low-VLCFA diet help in ALD?

Answer 5

The body produces VLCFAs endogenously

Question 6

What is the prognosis after ALS diagnosis?

Answer 6

2–5 years

Question 7

What is the main predictor of survival in ALS?

Answer 7

Nutritional status

Question 8

What is the energy requirement for ALS?

Answer 8

30–35 kcal/kg/day

Question 9

What dietary approach may help in ALS and why?

Answer 9

Ketogenic Mediterranean diet – anti-inflammatory, supports neuronal health

Question 10

What B vitamins help reduce homocysteine in ALS?

Answer 10

Folic acid, B6, B12

Question 11

What feeding approach is often needed in ALS?

Answer 11

Dysphagia diet or enteral nutrition

Question 12

What is the main MNT for epilepsy?

Answer 12

Ketogenic diet (3:1 or 4:1 fat:CHO+protein ratio)

Question 13

What are common nutritional side effects of epilepsy and its treatment?

Answer 13

Hyperlipidemia, poor growth, GI issues, acidosis, kidney stones, bone health concerns

Question 14

How does Dilantin affect nutrition?

Answer 14

Interferes with calcium and folic acid metabolism; folate from food is still absorbable

Question 15

T/F: Patients on Dilantin must avoid all folate.

Answer 15

False – food folate is okay, only supplements are affected

Question 16

T/F: The FDA has approved CBD (Epidiolex) for some forms of epilepsy.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

T/F: Patients on a ketogenic diet should see a specialized RD.

Answer 17

True

Question 18

What causes MS?

Answer 18

Autoimmune destruction of the myelin sheath in the CNS

Question 19

T/F: MS is both an inflammatory and autoimmune disease.

Answer 19

True

Question 20

T/F: There is a strong link between MS and low vitamin D.

Answer 20

True

Question 21

What are the two main types of MS?

Answer 21

Relapse-remitting and Progressive

Question 22

What is used to treat MS flare-ups?

Answer 22

Steroids (which can deplete vitamin D and calcium)

Question 23

What dietary components help with MS?

Answer 23

Omega-3s, antioxidants, vitamin D, anti-inflammatory foods

Question 24

What are neurogenic bladder/bowel interventions in MS?

Answer 24

Space out fluids, limit before bed, cranberry extract, probiotics

Question 25

What causes Parkinson’s symptoms?

Answer 25

Decreased dopamine transmission

Question 26

What are common symptoms of Parkinson’s?

Answer 26

Resting tremor, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia

Question 27

What medication treats Parkinson’s?

Answer 27

Levodopa – precursor to dopamine

Question 28

T/F: Levodopa is converted to dopamine.

Answer 28

True

Question 29

What should be avoided when taking Levodopa?

Answer 29

Fava beans, high-protein meals, and aspartame

Question 30

How should protein be timed with Levodopa?

Answer 30

Limit at breakfast/lunch to avoid competition with medication

Question 31

What supplements may support Parkinson’s patients?

Answer 31

Probiotics (gut-dopamine link), antioxidants

Question 32

T/F: Toxins and metals may play a role in Parkinson’s etiology.

Answer 32

True