امرأة عمرها ٦٨ سنة عندها باركنسون، تأخذ ليفودوبا/كاربيدوبا. تقول إن الدواء يضعف تأثيره بعد الوجبات الغنية باللحوم والدجاج، فتتيبس وترتجف أكثر. أي نصيحة مناسبة؟

A 68-year-old woman with Parkinson’s on levodopa/carbidopa says the drug works less after meals rich in meat and chicken, and she becomes stiffer and more tremulous. Which advice is appropriate?

1. Take it with a glass of milk to improve absorption
2. Take it 30 minutes before meals; spread protein
3. Stop eating protein altogether from today
4. Double the dose with every meat-containing meal

Answer: B) Take it 30 minutes before meals; spread protein. Protein competes with levodopa for absorption and brain entry. Taking it about 30 minutes before meals and spreading protein helps, without depriving the client of protein.