The Importance of Nutrition in Neurological Disorders and Nutrition Assessment Methods

Abstract

Neurological disorders can change patients’ nutritional status by directly or indirectly affecting dietary intake through mechanisms such as dysphagia, movement disorders, cognitive impairment, and depression. Malnutrition contributes to complications, resulting in delayed rehabilitation and increased morbidity and mortality. It is important to prevent malnutrition in patients with neurological disorders and to improve their nutritional status by identifying nutritional deterioration at an early stage and implementing appropriate nutritional interventions. This review examines the nutritional screening and assessment process in patients with neurological disorders, with a particular focus on stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation. Nutritional assessment, the first step of clinical nutrition management, identifies nutritional problems and their causes, signs, and symptoms through an overall evaluation including anthropometric measurements, dietary assessments, biochemical assessment, nutrition-related physical examinations, and functional assessment data. Based on the assessment, a nutritional intervention plan is established. By synthesizing the assessment results of selected subjective and objective indicators, nutritional screening tools to screen patients at risk of malnutrition and nutritional assessment tools to diagnose malnutrition were developed. It is important to use those tools with a clear understanding of their characteristics and scope.

The Impact of Undernutrition Risk on Rehabilitation Outcomes in Ischemic Stroke Survivors: A Hospital-Based Study

“…This result may be explained by several factors, including the decreased appetite associated with acute illness, side effects of medications, and the physiological changes that occur in response to stroke [ 29 ]. It is important to note that reduced food intake in hospitalized patients can lead to malnutrition and exacerbate existing health problems, including neurological deficits [ 30 ]. In light of these findings, healthcare providers should be vigilant in monitoring the nutritional status of ISS with UR and take appropriate steps to ensure that their dietary needs are met during hospitalization to optimize their recovery and reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes.…”

Self-Reported Reasons for Activity Limitations According to Age and Sex in Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors

“…Additionally, healthcare professionals should be attentive to the effects of symptoms such as headaches and dizziness on activity limitations and offer appropriate drug therapy to manage their impact on physical activity. Finally, early nutritional screening is necessary to address issues related to gastrointestinal, dental, or oral problems as they may impact nutritional intake, which profoundly influences physical activity [38]. Addressing these concerns can enhance the well-being and activity of community-dwelling stroke survivors while also alleviating the burden on healthcare services.…”

The Interplay of Sports and Nutrition in Neurological Health and Recovery

“…Preventing malnutrition in individuals with neurological illnesses and improving their nutritional status is crucial. This can be achieved by promptly diagnosing any nutritional decline and applying suitable nutritional therapies [182]. Conversely, as mentioned, diets can also be a contributing factor to the development of certain illnesses.…”