Define Nervous System and the it's related disorders?
In this unit, we learnt about nervous system and the related disorders, which are termed as 'neurological disorders'. Neurological disorders may be of nutritional or non-nutritional etiology, but both require nutritional intervention. Common non- nutritional neurological disorders, some being progressive in nature, in which feeding and nutrition are important, are Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, neuro and spinal trauma. Here, we realized that dysphagia is a problem common to many of the disorders. Personalized nutrition care plays an important role, its objectives being to maintain adequate nutrition, prevent further disability and restore potential function. Social, psychological and emotion support improves patient outcome, best achieved by the combined efforts of a rehabilitation team including the family, occupational and speech therapists and nutritionist.
Finally, we learnt that individual nutritional needs have to be assessed and adequate energy, protein, energy sources and minerals and vitamins provided to promote functional, tissue and organ integrity. Eating skills and eating desire also requires assessment and persons may require help to develop new ways of eating using special foods or eating equipment and utensils. Nutritional support may be needed in some neurological diseases. Drug nutrient interactions may also require attention. Social, psychological and emotion support improve patient outcome, which can be best achieved by the combined efforts of a rehabilitation team including the family, physicians, nurse, dietitians, occupational anti speech therapist, caregivers, family.