Several predictable metabolic changes occur through the aging process, including loss of muscle mass, increased risk of infection, and the potential for compromised neurological function. A selection of safe and evidence-based diet and lifestyle factors, as well as simple nutritional supplements, can restore vitality through the aging process. These same approaches, when applied to neurodegenerative disease (dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cognitive decline, etc…) can help slow disease progression, and can often help restore previous function.
Learning objectives
- Define and review pathogenesis of common neurodegenerative diseases
- Obtain working knowledge of evidence highlighting the role of diet and lifestyle factors to prevent and/ or improve function among individuals with neurodegenerative disease
- Appreciate that low grade malnutrition is common among free living as well as institutionalized elderly
- Obtain working knowledge of the impact of restoring nutritional adequacy among elderly
- Establish working knowledge of the role of a selection of natural health products and their impact on neurodegenerative disease
CE Credits
CONO: Category A: General -1.0 credit
British Columbia: Category C- General -1.0 credit
AANP: General -1.0 credit
OANP: General -1.0 credit
Dr Philip Rouchotas, MSc, ND
Dr Rouchotas practices at the Bolton Naturopathic Clinic in Bolton, Ontario. His areas of clinical focus include metabolic syndrome (overweight/ obesity, diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension), autoimmune concerns (arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis/eczema/acne), mental health concerns, and autism. Philip is also an Associate Professor with the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), responsible for assimilation and delivery of the second year curriculum in Clinical Nutrition. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Integrated Healthcare Practitioners, a peer- reviewed journal reaching ND’s, MD’s, and DC’s across Canada. Philip graduated from CCNM in 2004, preceded by an honours undergraduate degree and Masters of Science degree, both from the University of Guelph in Nutritional Sciences.