Neurological disorders can cause nutritional problems. As a result, it is not always possible to eat and drink enough.
The brain, spinal cord and nerves together form the nervous system. If something goes wrong with part of your nervous system, you may have trouble moving, speaking, swallowing, breathing or learning. You may also experience problems with your memory, senses, or mood. There are more than 600 neurological disorders. The main types include:

• Diseases caused by defective genes, such as Huntington’s disease and muscular dystrophy
• Problems with the development of the nervous system, such as spina bifida
• Degenerative diseases, in which nerve cells become damaged or die, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
• Diseases of the blood vessels that supply the brain, such as stroke
• Injuries to the spinal cord and brain
• Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy
• Certain types of cancer, such as brain tumors
• Certain infections, such as meningitis

Neurological disorders and nutrition

Nutritional problems are common in neurological disorders. This increases the chance that you will not get enough nutrients. For example, many people with Parkinson’s disease experience weight loss. The weight loss often has multiple causes, such as reduced appetite, chewing and swallowing problems, difficulty preparing meals, or extra calorie consumption due to tremors. Other conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), dementia and Huntington’s disease are also associated with weight loss.

The following nutritional problems are common:

• Chewing and swallowing problems
• Side effects of medications, such as dry mouth, taste changes, vomiting, and constipation
• Increased energy requirements
• Gastrointestinal complaints, such as heartburn and constipation
• Unable to eat and drink enough due to physical or cognitive limitations

Medical nutrition

If you are not getting enough nutrients due to a neurological disorder, additional nutrition in the form of medical drinking or tube feeding can provide a solution. These are power supplies for medical use and should be used under medical supervision. Depending on what you can still eat and whether you have any other nutritional problems, a doctor or dietician can inform you whether medical nutrition is indicated for you.

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