Nutrients. 2022 Apr 10;14(8):1577. doi: 10.3390/nu14081577.

ABSTRACT

The nutritional recommendation for the most common neurological diseases is to follow national dietary guidelines. This is to alleviate malnutrition, reduce the risk of diet-related illnesses and help manage some common symptoms, including constipation. Nutrition education programs can help people adhere to guidelines; therefore, the purpose of this exploratory review was to explore what programs have been implemented for adults with neurological conditions. We conducted this review according to a publication a priori protocol. Of 2555 articles reviewed, 13 were included (dementia n=6; multiple sclerosis n=4; stroke survivors n=2; Parkinson’s n=1). There was no program for epilepsy, Huntington’s disease and motor neurone disease. The length of the program and the number of sessions varied considerably; however, weekly delivery was most common. Just over half were delivered by dietitians. Most did not report using a theory of behavior change. Commonly used behavior change techniques were instruction on how to perform a behavior, credible sourceand behavioral practice/rehearsal. Evidence of nutrition education programs for adults with neurological conditions is lacking. Of those that are published, many do not adhere to best practice nutrition education principles regarding delivery, educator characteristics, and assessment. More programs aligned with best practice principles are needed to assess the characteristics that lead to behavior change.

PMID:35458139 | DOI: 10.3390/nu14081577