Thank you for the information.  I will forward this information on to
him.

He was drinking the Hearty Balance drinks, but I don't think he cares
for the flavor. He is pretty stubborn about what he will and will not
eat or drink. Do you have any other suggestions?

And, how can I get him to remember to snack and eat meals regularly.  He
has a pretty busy schedule, and sometimes he won't eat anything until
5:00 in the evening.  He says he is rarely hungry, and he "forgets" to
eat.  I live out of town so it's hard for me to check up on him.  And,
when I do, he gets upset at me for nagging at him.

Thanks again,
Leslie

> ----------
> From:         Kathrynne Holden, MS,RD[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent:         Tuesday, October 21, 1997 5:45 PM
> To:   Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN
> Subject:      Re: Welcome (fwd)
>
> > My father was diagnosed with PD about five years ago (when he was
> 45).
> > The main
> > thing I am concerned with is his weight loss.  Over the last several
> > years, he has gone from 200 to about 160.  He has tried several of
> the
> > high calorie drinks, but nothing seems to work.  (He often forgets
> to
> > drink the drinks, or he'll drink the drink but then won't be hungry
> for
> > the next meal.)  And, his weight has not stabilized; he continues to
> > lose weight.  Do you have any suggestions?
>
> Dear Leslie,
> You're right, your father would feel better and probably have more
> energy, if he ate better. If he's using Sinemet, ask him to try just
> 1/2
> can of Hearty Balance drink between meals. That shouldn't ruin his
> appetite, and also shouldn't interfere with the Sinemet. Also, a dish
> of
> ice cream before bed may help.  Eating small, frequent meals will
> provide a steady supply of blood glucose for energy, and may help with
> weight regain.
>
> With a 40-lb weight loss, there is a strong possibility he may be
> depleted of vitamins and minerals, especially the water-soluble
> vitamins. If he's not taking a multivitamin/mineral supplement, I
> would
> definitely check with his doctor to see if this would be advisable for
> him. A B complex may be indicated also. And I'd suggest
> calcium-fortified orange juice, to help maintain bone strength.
>
> My very best regards to you and your father,
> Kathrynne
>
>
> --
> Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD
> Editor-in-Chief,
> "Spotlight on Food--nutrition news for people 60-plus"
> http://www.fortnet.org/~fivstar
> and NUTRITION TOPICS copy-ready handouts
> http://www.dietetics.com/class/fivstar/
> Tel: 970-493-6532   Fax: 970-493-6538
>