My dad won’t eat because he thinks his carbidopa won’t work if he has food in his stomach. Any suggestions?

That’s a good thought about drinking a glass of water with him.

In this case, it must be the doctor knows best. Medications come in some many types: extended-release, must be taken with food or does not. It really is all about how it best absorbs into the bloodstream, small pill vs. large pill, tablet versus other, based on other medications/conditions. The pharmacy should have a read-out for the prescription medication that can include instructions, side effects and contra-indications. Education on the medications helps, but have to narrow/highlight those items which apply. My initial thought is mouth is connected to esophagus which goes to stomach and the other thought is when someone takes a medication they can sometimes expect it to change their situation faster if not eating, etc, but even food takes time to break down nutrients to bloodstream and so do medications. That is why a lot of medications are recommended to take with a glass of water (not mentioned in instructions, but a best practice). Some medications are required to eat with food; others not. So, take the med and ensure 6oz/8oz glass of water taken with it, and then eat soon after. Eating with a meal and taking the medications at same time reduces side effects. Even after 6 hours of eating a meal, the body needs more food likely depending on weight, level of activity, etc. Is the medication taken 3-4 times a day or twice a day: i.e. morning, evening only... see this matters... is he eating 2 times a day or 3 times, etc... all of this is a factor. Could be as easy as take the medication, drink a glass of water, then eat food without pressing the food issue. Might put two glasses out and drink a glass of water with him when he takes the med and eat snack or a meal together with him after drinking water with him, eating together. Just a thought. The medications were prescribed to help: doctor and pharmacist are good resources for discussion.

Dad has some concern about putting on weight and will turn down some food as a result. It's not a problem yet, but I watch him closely, and he normally has a good appetite. Maybe you could pick up some printed material or something from the internet to show him. Dad seems to believe print or the doctor more than he does me. The interaction with the carbidopa, I believe, is only with protein, and that's not true with all Parkinson's patients anyway.

Does he have dementia?

Is he taking levodopa along with the carbidopa?

Where is he getting his information from?