Mediterranean Diet for Parkinson's Disease

(PD-Diet Trial)

Overseen By Annie Kuan

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of British Columbia

Must be taking: Dopaminergic medications

Must not be taking: Immunomodulatory agents, Probiotics, Antibiotics

Disqualifiers: Atypical parkinsonism, Dementia, Diabetes, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 9

Duration: 18 months

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet might affect Parkinson's Disease symptoms over 18 months. Researchers aim to determine if this diet can improve gut health and manage Parkinson's symptoms compared to a regular diet. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the Mediterranean diet group or a standard diet group. Eligible individuals must have Parkinson's without dementia, be on stable medication, and be able to attend sessions both online and in-person at UBC. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding dietary impacts on Parkinson's.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you must be on a stable dopaminergic medication for at least one month before starting the study.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that following a Mediterranean-style diet can be safe and beneficial for people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Studies have found that this diet is linked to improved movement and fewer issues like mood changes or sleep problems.

The Mediterranean diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil. It might not only be safe but also help slow the progression of PD. Some studies suggest it can lower the risk of developing PD by up to 26% and reduce death rates for those with the disease.

While this diet isn't a new medicine, it represents a lifestyle change. People generally tolerate it well, and there are no reports of serious side effects. Therefore, for those considering a trial of the Mediterranean diet, research suggests it is a safe choice. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional treatments for Parkinson's disease, which often involve medications like Levodopa to manage symptoms, the Mediterranean diet offers a unique approach by focusing on nutrition and lifestyle changes. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it emphasizes whole foods, healthy fats, and fresh produce, which may support brain health and potentially slow disease progression. Additionally, the delivery method of remote group cooking classes encourages community support and skill-building, making it more accessible and engaging for participants. This holistic approach aims not just to alleviate symptoms but to improve overall well-being.

What evidence suggests that the Mediterranean-style diet might be an effective treatment for Parkinson's Disease?

Research has shown that following a Mediterranean diet can benefit people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Studies have found that this diet can improve movement and other symptoms and may slow the disease's progression. Eating a Mediterranean diet might also lower the risk of developing PD by 30% and reduce death rates by 40% for those already diagnosed. The diet likely helps by reducing inflammation, improving gut health, and increasing energy production in cells. In this trial, participants will follow either a Mediterranean-style diet or a standard diet. This suggests that the Mediterranean diet could be a promising way to manage PD symptoms. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Silke Appel-Cresswell, MD, FRCPC

Principal Investigator

University of British Columbia

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people aged 40-80 with Parkinson's Disease but no dementia. Participants must speak English, be on stable PD medication for at least a month, have internet and computer access, and can attend online sessions and travel to UBC for in-person visits.

Inclusion Criteria

You do not have dementia or significant memory problems.

I am between 40 and 80 years old.

I have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Run-in

Participants undergo a 4-week run-in phase to further assess eligibility

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline

Baseline assessments and randomization into diet groups

2 days

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants follow either a Mediterranean-style diet or a standard diet with virtual coaching and cooking classes

18 months

6 visits (in-person), multiple virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Mediterranean-style diet

Trial Overview The study tests the effects of an 18-month Mediterranean-style diet versus a standard diet on individuals with Parkinson's Disease. It will assess adherence to the diets, changes in gut microbiome, PD symptoms, recruitment rates, and retention.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention healthy diet Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in the active intervention group will have specific diet advice delivered with motivational and behaviour-change techniques and will learn relevant cooking skills in remotely-delivered group cooking classes (via Zoom).

Group II: Standard diet Active Control 1 Intervention

The active control group will focus on an energy-adequate diet considered standard-of-care but similar to the participant's baseline diet. The control dietary intervention group will receive general diet advice and standard care and will receive instruction in cooking skills delivered in remote group cooking classes (via Zoom).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of British Columbia

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,506

Recruited

2,528,000+

Weston Family Foundation

Collaborator

Weston Family Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

290+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A study of 600 Italian Parkinson's Disease patients showed that their adherence to the Mediterranean diet was similar to that of matched controls, indicating that dietary habits may not significantly differ in terms of overall diet quality despite some variations in food preferences.

Patients with Parkinson's Disease consumed less alcohol, fish, and fluids, and had a preference for softer foods due to swallowing difficulties, which could impact their nutritional management and hydration status.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dietary habits in Parkinson's disease: Adherence to Mediterranean diet. Cassani, E., Barichella, M., Ferri, V., et al.[2018]

In a study of 70 patients with Parkinson's disease, following a Mediterranean Diet significantly increased serum Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), suggesting potential benefits for oxidative stress management.

Patients on the Mediterranean Diet also experienced a reduction in disease severity, as indicated by lower scores on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), highlighting its efficacy in improving motor and non-motor symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of Mediterranean diet on severity of disease and serum Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in patients with Parkinson's disease: a single center, randomized controlled trial. Paknahad, Z., Sheklabadi, E., Moravejolahkami, AR., et al.[2022]

The Mediterranean Eating Pattern for Americans (MEPA-III) screener is a valid and feasible tool for assessing adherence to a Mediterranean diet in older adults with Parkinson's disease, showing a good correlation with the established VioScreen™ Food Frequency Questionnaire.

Participants found the MEPA-III screener acceptable and easy to use, with a median completion time of just over 4 minutes, making it a practical option for monitoring dietary patterns that may influence cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Validation of an Online Screener, the Mediterranean Eating Pattern for Americans-III in Older Patients with Parkinson's Disease. Weaver, KE., Goldman, JG., Ribbens, N., et al.[2020]

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet is linked to a slower increase in the probability of developing prodromal Parkinson's disease (pPD) over a follow-up period of about 3 years, suggesting a protective effect against neurodegeneration.

Participants with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet had a 60%-70% lower risk of developing possible/probable pPD compared to those with the lowest adherence, and each unit increase in the diet score was associated with a 9%-10% lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower probability of prodromal Parkinson's disease and risk for Parkinson's disease/dementia with Lewy bodies: A longitudinal study. Maraki, MI., Yannakoulia, M., Xiromerisiou, G., et al.[2023]

There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease (PD), which is a fatal neurodegenerative condition characterized by the loss of dopamine neurons in the brain.

Animal studies suggest that dietary factors play a crucial role in protecting against dopamine degeneration, indicating that adopting a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, may help reduce the risk of developing PD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A diet for dopaminergic neurons? Di Giovanni, G.[2019]

In a study of 257 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and 198 controls, higher adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet was linked to lower odds of having PD, suggesting a potential protective effect of this diet against the disease.

Additionally, lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with an earlier age of onset for PD, indicating that dietary habits may influence the progression of the disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The association between Mediterranean diet adherence and Parkinson's disease. Alcalay, RN., Gu, Y., Mejia-Santana, H., et al.[2021]

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) is linked to a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), based on a systematic review of 64 studies.

Specific gut bacteria were found to have an inverse relationship with MeDi and the risk of AD and PD, suggesting that the diet may influence gut microbiota in a way that could protect against these neurodegenerative diseases.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mediterranean diet adherence, gut microbiota, and Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease risk: A systematic review. Solch, RJ., Aigbogun, JO., Voyiadjis, AG., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12506048/

Modified Mediterranean diet effects on Parkinson's disease ... Epidemiological studies in PD patients suggest that a Mediterranean diet is associated with better motor and non-motor symptoms, slower ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1279770724005396

Association between Mediterranean diet adherence and ... The Mediterranean diet reduces Parkinson's disease risk through anti-inflammatory effects, and improved gut microbiota and mitochondrial function.

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06705517

Mediterranean Diet Effects on Parkinson's Disease Epidemiological studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet (MD) is linked to improved motor and non-motor symptoms, slower disease progression, and lower ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9739738/

Comparison of Associations between MIND and ... This study suggests MIND and MEDI scores are associated with fewer patient-reported symptoms over time, with each MIND point being twice as strong as a MEDI ...

5. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41531-025-00932-1

Mediterranean dietary pattern and risk of ... This study examined the association between MDP adherence and the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12299618/

Designing a Diet to Optimize Parkinson's Disease Outcomes Existing evidence suggests that adherence to the MIND and Mediterranean (MEDI) diets are associated with reduced PD symptoms, but only a few ...