Nutritional Recommendations

Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD) patients experience high rates of weight loss and malnutrition. This contributes to both morbidity and mortality and can be compounded by co-morbidities. Both occur due to the complex and interrelated symptoms of MJD. Commonly cited causes of weight loss and malnutrition include: dysphagia; reliance on others for food purchase, preparation, and in some cases feeding; and depression and anxiety. This medical protocol outlines these symptoms and their prevalence, assessment and treatment.