Diet in Parkinson’s Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders: What to Eat to Prevent Them

Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Plague of the 21st Century

The population of older adults is steadily increasing. As a result, the incidence of lifestyle-related diseases is also on the rise. These include diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and neurodegenerative diseases.

More and more people are affected by cognitive impairment, dementia syndromes, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease. These conditions, due to emotional and personality changes, significantly affect daily functioning and often lead to social exclusion.

A healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition can delay the onset of neurodegenerative changes and support successful aging.

Although dementia is often associated with old age, diagnoses among younger individuals are also becoming more common.

Epidemiology of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Improved healthcare, living conditions, and economic status have contributed to increased life expectancy. Globally, the number of older adults is growing. Each month, another million people turn 60, and the population of individuals over the age of 65 is around 415 million. The largest increase is seen in the 80+ age group.

It’s no surprise that new cases of dementia are being diagnosed worldwide. In 2015, 47 million people had dementia. By 2030, this number is projected to rise to 75 million, and by 2050, it is expected to nearly double.

Surprisingly, 9% of neurodegenerative disease cases occur in people under the age of 65 (1, 2).

Most Common Neurodegenerative Diseases

Below is an overview of the most common neurodegenerative conditions, including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Parkinson’s Disease

Initial symptoms of Parkinson’s disease typically appear around the age of 60 and affect about 1.5% of people over 65. The most commonly recognized symptoms include:

• bradykinesia (slowness of movement),

• resting tremor,

• postural instability,

• muscle rigidity.

Other symptoms are less frequently mentioned but just as common: sleep disturbances, dysphagia, excessive salivation, apathy, and depression.

The exact causes of Parkinson’s disease remain unclear. Besides genetic predisposition, environmental factors, oxidative stress, and free radicals are believed to contribute.

The disease is characterized by degeneration of the midbrain and reduced dopamine in the striatum. Lewy bodies (abnormal protein deposits) are found within neurons, and there is a loss of certain brain structures and disrupted nerve signaling.

The main goal of treatment is to slow disease progression and relieve symptoms, primarily by restoring dopamine levels. This is usually achieved with the medication Levodopa (6).

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions among people over 65, affecting 30% of those aged 85 and older. The risk increases with age.

The early stage of Alzheimer’s is often mistaken for normal age-related memory problems. Initial symptoms include:

• trouble remembering dates,

• losing the thread of conversation,

• misplacing objects,

• getting lost in familiar places.

As the disease progresses, symptoms include disorientation, sleep disturbances, difficulty recognizing loved ones, delusions, hallucinations, anxiety, and aggression.

These symptoms are associated with damage to the cerebral cortex caused by the buildup of amyloid protein (4). Research suggests that the MIND diet can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by about 50% (5).

Dementia

Dementia, also referred to as a cognitive disorder, involves the gradual decline of cognitive function. It begins subtly, usually with memory problems and difficulty learning new information.

As it progresses, symptoms extend to:

• impaired intellectual abilities,

• difficulty with planning and comprehension,

• challenges recognizing objects and performing purposeful movements.

Emotional symptoms also emerge, including depressed mood and impaired judgment. Over time, individuals with dementia may become aggressive (3).

Causes of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Genetics are the primary driver of neurodegenerative disease development. However, studies also link lifestyle factors to dementia risk. Major risk factors include lack of physical activity, poor dietary habits, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Other contributing factors include:

• diabetes,

• high blood pressure,

• low socioeconomic and educational status,

• depression and social isolation.

Diet in Parkinson’s and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases

Diet can either increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders or serve as a preventive factor.

The Mediterranean diet may reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 48% compared to those who don’t follow it. It also lowers the risk of cognitive decline in general.

Including polyunsaturated fatty acids—especially omega-3s—at least twice a week may reduce Alzheimer’s risk by 60% (7).

Recently, the MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) was developed, combining elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets. Studies show that people who follow the MIND diet have more than a 50% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s, and their cognitive decline slows down (5).

Nutrients That Protect Against Dementia

Which nutrients are crucial for protecting the brain and preventing dementia?

• B vitamins

• Antioxidant vitamins

• Polyunsaturated fatty acids

• Choline

B Vitamins

Particularly important are vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, which are involved in homocysteine metabolism. Homocysteine is a byproduct of methionine metabolism, and high blood levels are associated with neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

Adequate intake of these vitamins helps maintain balanced homocysteine levels.

Good sources include:

• whole grain cereals,

• legumes,

• leafy green vegetables,

• low-fat dairy.

Antioxidant Vitamins

Vitamins C, E, and A are crucial in neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.

If not neutralized, free radicals damage cell membranes and oxidize the lipids in neuron myelin sheaths, contributing to cancer risk.

A diet low in antioxidants is associated with a higher risk of atherosclerosis, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidants are found in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and plant oils.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

These include omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which have at least two double bonds in their structure.

They are essential for building brain cell membranes and the retina. They also have anti-clotting properties and are involved in immune cell formation.

Main sources:

• canola, sunflower, and flaxseed oils,

• nuts,

• fish (Atlantic salmon, herring, halibut, mackerel, trout, sardines).

Choline

Choline is a component of lecithin and contributes to the proper structure of cell membranes. It is also a precursor of neurotransmitters that transmit nerve signals.

Choline is found in:

• egg yolks,

• legumes,

• fish and seafood,

• sesame seeds,

• flaxseed,

• wheat germ and pearl barley.

A Healthy Diet as a Preventive Factor in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Adopting healthy eating habits is a key preventive measure against neurodegenerative diseases. A balanced diet also protects against other lifestyle-related diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension—all of which are risk factors for cognitive decline.

Take care of your diet and include nutrients that support brain health. This way, you may delay or even prevent the development of neurodegenerative diseases.