Can a High-Carb Diet Alone Cause PD?

Posy had always thought that the Sword of Damocles would fall on her one day. In spite of her seemingly great genes, her lifestyle could do with improvement. As well as working too hard and not finding time to exercise, she consumed a sugary, high carb, and low protein diet.

Therefore, after her surprising diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD), Posy didn’t feel resentful or angry.

Not once did Posy shout a petulant or furious, "Why ME?" at the sky. However, she was definitely curious to know what exactly did trigger this disease.

Dreading meal time

As a youngster, Posy was a "fussy eater". She disliked most sources of protein, such as meat and cheese. Her parents tried to introduce her to different foods, but her tastebuds proved too much of a challenge. No, this was not anorexia: This was all down to taste.

Family vacations spent in superb hotels abroad were fun, except for meal-times. Posy dreaded the sickly and panicked feeling that would envelope her when a strange smelling food was presented.

It must have been embarrassing for her parents to ask if, instead of the chef’s special foie gras or octopus ink, the kitchen could rustle up some baked beans on toast!

No interest in cooking

Maybe Posy's diet would have improved if she had learned to cook. As a University student, away from home for the first time, she managed to cook the ubiquitous "spag bol" or eggs any style. But the desire to progress any further with this activity was lacking.

Some children cook at home with their mothers, but Posy’s own mother would later remark, "You were too busy with your music to come into the kitchen!"

Posy’s mum, it must be noted, was a saint. Highly educated and incredibly intelligent, she taught full-time. Yet, she remained a devoted, nurturing wife and mother. She just had too much to do to teach anyone to cook.

On the few occasions that Posy fancied having a go at baking a cake, her Mum pleaded, "Please don’t: You’ll make a big mess, and I haven’t got time to clear up." She was right on all counts!

A focus on academics

Perhaps some of you learned homemaking skills at school? Posy’s grammar school selected its pupils carefully. Academic rather than practical, it was one of the highest-achieving educational establishments in the country.

Non-core subjects such as cookery or needlework were considered inconsequential. (No-one learned to type, as pupils were all destined to have highly successful careers that provided secretaries!)

Not making the change

From childhood onwards, Posy had a nagging guilt that she ought to "do something" to improve her nutrition, but she never stuck to any meaningful change.

She would shrug and tell herself she would get things sorted, once her life calmed down a bit.(And, well, if she died at 30, that was ancient enough for anyone!) Anyway, her parents were enjoying long, active, happy lives, with no significant health problems.

Preparing food was a burden

That "calm" stage of life, however, never materialized. Once she had passed that milestone age of 30, Posy’s new role as a mother set her off on yet another treadmill. Driven by an all-consuming love, Posy was determined to satisfy this cherished little being's every possible need.

She stayed up all day and night cleaning the spotless house in readiness for the countless visitors. With a baby who hated to sleep, she read aloud endless books. She broadened her beloved daughter's cultural horizons, taking her everywhere. She was determined that her new baby should have only the most nutritious food.

Posy was, of course, an inadequate cook, so the fare was plain and simple. Both mummy and baby rejoiced when Posy’s husband came home from his airline trips. An amazing chef of Greek and Japanese heritage, he introduced his daughter to an array of exotic delicacies.

Sadly, he was away more than he was home, and for Posy (and, consequently, her daughter) preparing food became a burden, rather than a joy.

Was it in her genes?

Do Posy's genes bear any responsibility for this cruel disease? Posy's father had suffered a deficient, sometimes starvation diet in a German prison camp in World War 2. If PD had been in his genes, surely it would have materialized in response to this nutritional deprivation?

Indeed, once home, he suffered a burst ulcer and nearly died. Maybe Parkinson's did not manage to gain a foothold as he was restricted to a life-long bland diet. His consequently tiny appetite, strict avoidance of rich or unhealthy foods, together with his genuine love of exercise would probably have sent any disease packing!

Posy's maternal genes were also very promising. Her mother came from good stock, with a father who provided year-round vegetables from their garden and a mother who lived to 99 without ever taking any meds. Oh dear, it would seem to be Posy's own actions that led to her diagnosis.

Who is to blame?

Is it typical for a Parkie to feel responsible for kicking off this mysterious disease? While the science remains unclear, to what extent should we blame ourselves, if at all?

Perhaps some of you feel you have led a blameless, healthy existence and you cannot think of a single reason why PD should have attacked your brain cells. Is there any point in apportioning blame? Well, yes, as we would like to avoid developing such a disease.

It seems unthinkable to blame the victims of multiple sclerosis and motor neuron disease or other brain diseases! I suppose we shall have to wait for research to shed light on what exactly causes Parkinson's.