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Neurological problems and disorders are defined as any disorder of the nervous system. They can be the result of damage to the brain, spinal cord, or the nerves themselves. These disorders arise as a result of injuries or diseases. Neurological problems affect both young and old people. There are specific nutritional requirements in their course.
Neurological diseases
The most common neurological diseases are:
– Alzheimer’s disease and dementia – Two of the most common causes of memory loss among the elderly
Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, a disease that affects nerve cells or neurons in the part of the brain that controls muscle movement
– Stroke – a disease caused by the complete lack of blood supply to the brain or stroke
– Multiple sclerosis – an autoimmune disease of the nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord
– Epilepsy and epilepsy disorders – disturbances in the production of electrical impulses by neurons in the brain
– Peripheral neuropathy, myasthenia gravis and peripheral nerve disorders – these include damage to the peripheral nervous system that carries information from the brain and spinal cord to every part of the body.
Care for the sick
Neurological diseases affect not only the patient – they affect the whole family, because they need help in caring for the sick, often round the clock, which includes not only administering medications or assistance in rehabilitation, but also relieving the patient in sometimes very basic activities such as eating and drinking, or a daily toilet. The caregivers’ situation changes dramatically – their own needs very often recede into the background, and life is subordinated to the care of a sick parent or spouse – which is not easy for both the patient and the caregiver.
In such a situation, it is worth supporting both the sick person and the people who take care of him, doing housework and supporting them with a conversation and a smile. It is important to remember about a positive attitude – which will facilitate the fulfillment of daily duties towards the patient.
Care – problem with diet and swallowing
People with neurological problems require a proper diet. First, patients may forget to eat or refuse to eat. This problem may be compounded by changes in the patient’s taste and smells. Additionally, patients often struggle with difficulty swallowing, i.e. dysphagia.
People who have difficulty swallowing complain of the feeling of a bite remaining in the throat or around the breastbone, a feeling of crowding in the chest or pain when swallowing. Serious symptoms include impaired swallowing reflexes (i.e. when the patient tries but cannot swallow a bite), pouring food through the nose or choking, and a persistent cough.
As you can see, the nutrition of a person with neurological diseases requires a lot of attention, which is why people with neurological diseases eat a diet rich in nutrients. In cases where the patient has very serious problems with eating, special preparations are added to the prepared dishes or they are used alternately as a complete meal. Often, the consistency of meals you eat is mushy, which may be easier to swallow than solid foods. Additionally, special equipment such as cups, bottles or pipettes can be used.
When preparing for a meal, remember that the patient should not be exposed to too many stimuli that will distract him and make feeding difficult. The patient should always eat in a sitting position and stay there for at least half an hour after a meal. It is extremely important to give small portions as large amounts of food are more difficult to swallow. Therefore, the sick person should eat (or be fed) with a teaspoon rather than a tablespoon. While eating and for half an hour afterwards, we observe the patient for any disturbing symptoms – e.g. cough.
Find out more about nutrition for people with swallowing difficulties at www.nutilis.pl
Nutilis Clear is a dietary food for special medical purposes. For the dietary management of dysphagia. Use under medical supervision.