Nutritional Care and Intervention in Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Abstract

This chapter examines the link between nutritional health outcomes in clients diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia as well as generalized quality of life and well-being that is achieved as a result of nutritional intervention and concordant nutritional status. Spinocerebellar ataxia is a familial disorder typified by degenerative changes to the neurological system including the brain, and spinal cord, impacting mobility and volitional actions. Due declining neural activity, the management of health and wellness in the affected individuals is central to mitigating the functional decline and morbidity. The linkage between dietary intake and nutritional support is a significant element of the health care interventions necessary to provide optimal health outcomes in clients diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia. Accordingly, an analysis of factors that impact dietary intake, and nutritional profile is pivotal in regulating disease progression, remission and management. The isochronous relationship between nutritional support and spinocerebellar ataxic progression and the concordant impact of disease progression on nutritional outcome is a critical subject for review. Lastly, summative standardized models are essential to guiding the health care strategy for managing the wellbeing of individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia.