AUTHOR=Ma Kai , Xiong Nian , Shen Yan , Han Chao , Liu Ling , Zhang Guoxin , Wang Luxi , Guo Shiyi , Guo Xingfang , Xia Yun , Wan Fang , Huang Jinsha , Lin Zhicheng , Wang Tao 

TITLE=Weight Loss and Malnutrition in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: Current Knowledge and Future Prospects

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2018

YEAR=2018

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2018.00001

DOI=10.3389/fnagi.2018.00001

ISSN=1663-4365

ABSTRACT=Parkinson’s disease (PD) is now considered a systemic disease manifested with not only motor disorders but also non-motor symptoms complexs, including psychiatric symptoms, autonomic failure, gastrointestinal problems, sensory impairment, circadian rhythm disorder. Among them, weight loss and malnutrition are commonly observed, occurring in all PD stages even several years before the diagnosis, complicating disease progression and contributing substantially to both morbidity and mortality. To date, although emerging evidence has suggested weight loss and malnutrition are associated with impaired quality of life in patients with PD, it is still unrecognized by clinicians and remains untreated. Accordingly, here, this review summarizes the evidence with respect to weight loss and malnutrition in PD, describing the weight and nutritional status, discussing its correlation with PD and related potential determinants. Given its continue progress during the course of PD, it is necessary to assess the body weight and nutritional status of PD patients routinely to early detect malnutrition as the disease progresses, and measures should be taken to restore energy balance and maintain body weight.