Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) impairs voluntary muscular activity and often results in malnutrition. The need for specialized dietary therapy for ALS-related illnesses is highlighted by recent research, but it also draws attention to the lack of targeted care and ongoing nutritional status monitoring. Technological developments like telehealth and chatbots hold potential for ALS patients’ nutritional monitoring. The pilot study examined the feasibility and impact of home-based virtual culinary nutrition education sessions on nutritional knowledge, dietary intake of energy (CHO), protein (PRO) and FAT, body mass index (BMI), and functional status assessed by ALSFRS-R scores in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (pALS). A total of four pALS and their caregivers were recruited from the ALS Clinic at the NSU Health Neuroscience Institute.Three, one hour culinary sessions were provided using the web-based platform zoom over a 6 week period. These sessions provide a cutting-edge strategy to manage malnutrition caused by ALS and are intended to improve the nutritional understanding and dietary behaviors of pALS. Results showed significant differences in nutrition knowledge and no significant difference in weight, BMI, ALSFRS-R scores, and dietary intake of Kcal (CHO, PRO, and FAT) demonstrating statistical importance as no significance was desired. Results were impacted by a low sample size, but demonstrate motivating outcomes for further research and emphasize the potential advantage of home-based virtual cooking instruction while highlighting the necessity for a tailored nutrition plan.
| Date of Award | Apr 21 2024 |
|---|
| Original language | English |
|---|
| Supervisor | Andrea Charvet (Supervisor) |
|---|