Is Dad’s recent weight loss a result of Parkinson’s disease?
A columnist questions if disease symptoms could be playing a role
“Morning, Mary Beth. Have you heard anything about weight loss and Parkinson’s?” my dad texts me one day.
“From what I’ve read in the Parkinson’s News Today Forums, it seems like a mixed bag,” I respond. “Some people lose weight, and some people gain it.”
This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about finding a balance with food. Before Dad underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in 2019, he looked gaunt. It didn’t take long for him to admit that he was struggling to gain weight. In fact, he’d even started wearing his “skinny clothes” regularly — smaller items he kept in his closet in case he got sick and lost a bit of weight.
After the DBS surgery, his nurse told him that, like most patients, he’d probably gain weight. Dad did, in fact, go on to gain about 25 pounds after his recovery. But this is the first time I’m hearing that he’s losing weight again.
“Do you track your calories?” I ask.
He tells me that he doesn’t, but that it could be worthwhile. He thinks he’s been eating enough, but it can be hard to tell. When Dad was losing weight before the DBS surgery, he often drank high-fat protein shakes that helped him keep his weight stable. Drinking the calories seemed a bit easier than eating them.
What Dad is experiencing doesn’t seem to be uncommon. For some people with Parkinson’s, weight loss can stem from difficulties with chewing or swallowing. Others struggle with loss of smell, which may make eating feel more like a chore than an enjoyable activity. Some Parkinson’s medications can even cause nausea, which can contribute to a loss of appetite.
In Dad’s case, it isn’t exactly clear to me what might be causing his weight loss. But I encourage him to add calorically dense, nutritious foods, such as cream, butter, and cheese, to his diet. Drinking his calories seemed to help before, so continuing to find high-calorie drinks that he likes could be helpful in managing his weight loss.
I’m not super worried yet, as we still have tools in our toolkit to help Dad keep some weight on his bones. But I do wonder what’s causing the shift in his body, and if there’s more we can do to manage it.
Have you or a loved one experienced weight loss with Parkinson’s disease? Please share your experience in the comments below.
Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
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Comments
Maria Riga
Parkinson's is a degenerative disease.U usually lose weight gradually,as for the after DBS weight gain,for me its the first to hear happening.After all if there is improvement the person walks better so aerobic exercice kicks in.Dont forget the disease affects all the organs so regular blood tests every six months are needed.Mary Riga MD Europe
Jennifer McLachlan
I was diagnosed in 2013 so I am now in my 12th year. About 3 years ago I noticed I had lost quite a bit of weight - about 12 pounds in a few months, I went to see my GP. He .organised the full range of tests, including blood, uriine and bowel function. Everything came back normal. After consultation with my Parkinson’s consultant, she and the GP suggested the dyskinesia, which had started to affect me, could be the cause, as it was using much of my energy.
My weight stabilised and has been pretty settled since then.
Jack Winover
I’m experiencing weight loss as well. 11 lbs in the past month.
I was diagnosed in June of 2019as ATypical Parkinson’s, no tremors or facial masking but have everything else in PD symptoms.
I’m 74 and until the PD started was in perfect health…
Bastien
I have losr weight due to nausea and pain from gastroparesis - slow gut. My digestive process has slowed way down - lost abot 25lb over 6 mo - but finally came up with an eating plan . I am eating 8 tiny 3 oz meals a day , extreme low fat no diary, low fiber - basically everything has to be mush. So soups , smoothies, squash.
Maybe my gut will ' reboot' but rhis maybe damage to my brainstem/ cranial nerves
Bastien
I have lost weight due to nausea and pain from gastroparesis - slow gut. My digestive process has slowed way down - lost about 25lb over 6 mo - but finally came up with an eating plan . I am eating 8 tiny 3 oz meals a day , extreme low fat no diary, low fiber - basically everything has to be mush. So soups , smoothies, squash. And chewing each bite till pretty much dissolves - this let the enzymes in my saliva do most of the digestion - easier for GI track.
I would caution about pre- made commerial protein / meal substitute drinks - there is a lot chemicals in these drinks which mess up digestion and cause constipation.
Making you own smoothie is easy : banana , soy FLOUR ( easy to digest and excellent protein- then add whatever seems good , maybe a tablespoon of jam, and some honey , maybe some apple juice or just water.
Maybe my gut will ' reboot' but rhis maybe damage to my brainstem/ cranial nerves
Marcia G Mercer
I am 70 years old and had lost about 40 pounds in a two month period before I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. With me Parkinson’s caused an extreme amount of anxiety which severely affected my appetite. The doctor prescribed mirtazapine which has made a huge difference and I am eating normally and slowly gaining back to a normal weight. I am also taking the carbidopa levodopa of course which helps a lot.
Sandra Sebastian
I'm afraid that my dear. husband (mid 80s) is shrinking away; his stature has definitely shrunk, height, width, and weight, and he's now that little old man. He doesn't like many foods, but I try to give him all he wants, including lots of ice cream etc, which you wouldn't think would be so great. I do think he could do with more protein, and he does like steak. But I'm that old, also handicapped, and find it hard to find the right things. Caregiving is no fun, and must be no better, or worse, for those being cared for! We may have to start back on a high protein cream drink. again (same after surgery some years ago).
Elaine Anderson-Fellows
My 81 year-old husband had had Parkinson's and near-diabetes for 8 years. About 4 years ago, he started losing significant weight. Doctors couldn't find a reason for the loss, and prescribed Ensure Protein Plus. Fortunately he has gained most of the weight back, and has been able to wear his before-weight-loss clothes again. He looks SO much better. I hope this works for others with weight loss.
Sue Attebery
Thank you for confirming something I had suspected: that weight gain is common post-DBS. I had DBS two years ago and within 6 month had gained 25lbs. I spoke with my surgeon and he said he had never heard of weight gain being related to DBS. However, I had heard similar concerns from others. I have had a difficult time keeping the weight off because I always feel hungry. I move a lot more now (was on a walker prior to DBS) and still don’t lose the weight. I am 58, 5’10” and weigh 195 lbs. I have had PD for 11 years (early on-set). I would be interested in hearing from others experiencing the same issues. As for DBS, it has made my life so much better! I thank God and my surgeon daily. Happy to share my experience if anyone has questions.
kevin oneall
I'm 67 turning 68 end of September. Years ago I had an eye condition, I used prescription eyedrops. The drops shut down my ability to taste sweets. I had a birthday and was given a German Chocolate cake, my favorite. But I couldn't taste the sweet. Instead I tasted the bitter. Think about chocolate powder without sugar. That's what the cake tastes like.
Susan Schlager
My husband has lost some wt. My biggest concern is that he was never over wt. As I watch him, I believe his biggest cause of wt loss is the difficulty he has with the coordination of eating. It is so much work, he won't take seconds. We also try to eat an anti-inflammatory diet which removes all of the wt producing junk food. I do believe that is healthier for him. As long as we can maintain his wedding wt I will be happy.
kevin oneall
I was dx'd four years ago. SInce then I've gained 40#. I used to be a long distance runner. I don't run anymore but I eat like I used to and the calories turn into fat because I'm not doing anything to burn the calories off.