Correlations Between Clinical, Anthropometric and Nutritional Evaluations in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease from Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition and sarcopenia are commonly observed in African patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, limited data exist regarding the nutritional status and body composition of PD patients in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to describe the clinical, nutritional, and anthropometric characteristics of PD patients from Sogakope, in the Volta Region of Ghana. Methods: A total of 20 PD patients were recruited. All participants underwent comprehensive clinical and nutritional assessments. Motor symptoms were evaluated with the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Dealing with non-motor symptoms, constipation was diagnosed according to the Roma III Criteria while dysphagia was assessed using the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire. The presence and impact of sialorrhea was determined using the Sialorrhea Clinical Scale. Nutritional assessment was performed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment short form (MNA-sf). Body composition parameters were measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), and muscle strength was evaluated with the Handgrip Strength Test. Correlations were assessed by Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis, as appropriate. Partial correlation analysis controlling for significant clinical variables was also performed. Results: Daily caloric intake was significantly lower compared to Western populations and was associated with a reduced body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. Constipation (80%) and sarcopenia (45%) were highly prevalent, whereas dysphagia was reported in only 15% of participants. Over 75% of patients were at risk of malnutrition. A significant inverse correlation was found between thigh circumference and disease duration (r = −0.517; p = 0.02). Additionally, protein intake (g/kg/day) was inversely correlated with motor symptom severity, as measured by the UPDRS Part III in the ON state (r = −0.544; p = 0.02). Conclusions: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of nutritional deficiencies, sarcopenia, and altered body composition in Ghanaian PD patients. These nutritional impairments are significantly associated with disease duration and motor symptom severity. The findings highlight the urgent need for early nutritional screening and intervention as part of a multidisciplinary approach to Parkinson’s disease management in resource-limited settings.