Objective: To provide a literature overview of fasting impact  on motor symptoms in Parkinson disease.

Background: Fasting, characterized by voluntary abstinence from food and caloric intake for defined periods, has gained attention in recent years for its potential therapeutic effects on various health conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD) as a worldwide prevalent neurodegenerative disorder.

Method: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted through  PubMed databases for articles published between 2015 and 2024 using keywords related to  motor symptoms in PD and fasting.

Results: The search revealed 155 citations, 35 of which were selected for full analysis. Our review identified a limited number of studies investigating the long-term motor impact of fasting in PD patients. . The period of food abstinence varied between 12 hours to full days based on the adapted regimen. However, common  benefits of fasting were reported. It included an efficient weight loss and reduced insulin resistance and therefore a lower risk for metabolic disorders. It also helped reduce bothersome constipation. The neurobiological impact of fasting claims for a dopaminergic protection through neurobiological changes affecting cytokines, neurotrophic factors and mitochondrial metabolism.  While some studies reported improvements in motor symptoms, including rigidity, bradykinesia and tremor, following short-term fasting interventions, evidence regarding the sustained effects of fasting on motor symptoms over longer durations was scarce. Evidence regarding the sustained effects on motor symptoms over longer durations was non-conclusive due to the heterogeneity of fasting protocols and regimen.

Conclusion: The existing literature suggests a potential beneficial effect of short-term fasting on motor symptoms in PD patients. However, evidence regarding the long-term motor impact of fasting, particularly in the context of sustained fasting regimens, remains limited. A better understanding remains crucial to provide personalized dietary interventions for  a better control of motor symptoms and therefore quality of live.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/motor-impact-of-fasting-in-parkinsons-disease-patients-an-overview/