Course Description:
This course is designed to equip both formal and informal caregivers of individuals with Huntington’s Disease (HD) with the essential knowledge and skills for providing comprehensive care. While each Huntington Academy course focuses on a specific aspect of HD care provision, it’s important to recognize that HD challenges should be approached in a holistic way. As a result, many of the Huntington Academy courses are interconnected, with overlapping content that reinforces a comprehensive approach to care.
“Nutrition and HD” covers the nutritionist’s role in managing symptoms such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), weight loss, and dehydration, and outlines how tailored dietary interventions can significantly improve the quality of life of individuals with HD. The course highlights the significant nutritional challenges faced by individuals with HD and emphasizes the importance of early intervention, personalized dietary planning, and collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize care.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the role of a nutritionist in the comprehensive care of individuals with HD
- Support individuals with HD through evidence-based nutrition interventions
- Tailor nutrition plans for different stages of HD
- Identify and use strategies for managing weight loss
- Address swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
- Gain a deeper understanding of texture-modified diets
- Acquire a more comprehensive knowledge of how HD symptoms affect food intake
- Have a richer perspective on nutrition in HD through the personal testimonies of both formal and informal caregivers
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