Category: Neurological disorders

First described in 1903, Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare neurological disorder often linked to chronic alcoholism and severe malnutrition. This devastating condition is primarily driven by a significant deficiency in B-complex vitamins, particularly thiamine, leading to progressive demyelination and necrosis of the brain's corpus callosum.

Historically documented in famines as far back as 400 BC, the serious medical condition caused by Kesari dal is a neurodegenerative disorder known as lathyrism. This disease is triggered by a neurotoxin found in the pulse, which, upon prolonged and excessive consumption, can cause severe, irreversible paralysis of the lower limbs.

Lathyrism, one of the oldest neurotoxic diseases known to humankind, is primarily linked to the overconsumption of a drought-resistant legume called the grass pea (*Lathyrus sativus*), especially during times of famine. The core cause is a potent neurotoxin found within these seeds.

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common and serious symptom for individuals with Huntington's disease (HD), with studies indicating aspiration pneumonia is a leading cause of death in this population. This progressive neurological disorder causes a breakdown of the complex coordination required for safe and effective eating and drinking.

As the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, glutamate is essential for proper brain function and communication between nerve cells. A deficiency can disrupt these critical processes, leading to significant and often debilitating neurological and psychological issues that illustrate what happens to people with glutamate deficiency.

Originally developed in the 1920s, a medical grade ketogenic diet is a highly structured and medically supervised dietary therapy used for specific health conditions, such as intractable epilepsy. It is fundamentally different from the popular, commercial keto diet used for weight loss, demanding strict adherence and monitoring by a specialized medical team.

According to the National Institutes of Health, proper nutrition is critical for maintaining muscle mass in individuals with neuromuscular diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Tailored dietary strategies can address the unique challenges SMA presents, such as difficulty swallowing and managing weight. This guide offers an overview of what people with spinal muscular atrophy should eat to support their overall health.

Affecting approximately 1 in 40,000 to 100,000 people worldwide, ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare inherited disorder that is not the result of a vitamin deficiency. Instead, it is a complex genetic condition caused by mutations in the ATM gene that impact multiple body systems, including the nervous and immune systems.

According to the Huntington's Disease Society of America, people with Huntington's disease often need a higher calorie intake due to involuntary muscle movements. Understanding **what foods should you avoid if you have Huntington's disease** is crucial for managing swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) and maintaining proper nutrition to support overall health.

Malnutrition is a significant concern for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), with studies indicating a prevalence rate ranging from 30% to over 70% in pediatric populations depending on the severity of motor impairment. Understanding **what is the nutritional status of cerebral palsy?** is a critical first step in developing effective strategies for optimal health and quality of life.