Mediterranean Eating for Persons with Parkinson’s Disease: An Evidence-Based Dietary Educational Intervention
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease requires holistic management to improve the quality of life in affected
persons and prevent complications associated with other comorbidities such as cardiovascular
disease. The purpose of this pilot, quasi-experimental, evidence-based improvement project was
to assess if implementing a Mediterranean diet educational measure in patients 55 to 85 years of
age with Parkinson’s disease improves post-intervention Mediterranean Diet food intake
questionnaire, and Patient Rated Outcomes for Parkinson’s Disease scores compared to pre-intervention Mediterranean Diet food intake questionnaire and Patient Rated Outcomes for
Parkinson’s Disease scores over four weeks at a community center for Parkinson’s disease.
There were 11 total participants in the evidence-based dietary educational intervention. Post-intervention survey results revealed a greater adherence to Mediterranean style eating patterns
and demonstrated improvements to Patient Rated Outcomes in Parkinson’s Disease scores. This
educational intervention aims to broaden the spectrum of evidence-based care to include the
delivery of holistic dietary measures in a special patient population.
Degree
D.N.P.
Thesis Department
Rights
Open Access (fully available)
Copyright retained by author