Do you find yourself digging through the snack cabinet at night for a cookie or piece of chocolate or drinking sugary coffee in the morning? These sugar cravings may be linked to Parkinson’s disease.

Sugar is a normal part of many foods. But too much added sugar may affect your overall health, and some research suggests people with Parkinson’s may eat more sugar than people without Parkinson’s.

Is craving sweets a symptom of Parkinson’s disease? Or is it something else? Let’s look at seven facts to know about sugar and Parkinson’s disease.

1. Some People With Parkinson’s Develop a Craving for Sweets

If you’re craving sweet foods more since your Parkinson’s diagnosis, you’re not alone. Studies have found that people with Parkinson’s disease may report a strong craving for sweets and may eat more fast-acting carbohydrates than people without Parkinson’s.

Other research has found that people with Parkinson’s report higher daily sugar intake and more free and added sugars than people without Parkinson’s. Free sugars include sugars added to foods, plus sugars naturally found in honey, fruit juice, and fruit juice concentrates.

Some MyParkinsonsTeam members have discussed these cravings. “My husband eats more sweets than he did before,” wrote one member. “He has always loved sweets, but it’s all the time now! Even in the middle of the night!”

“I definitely crave sweets more than ever,” said another member.

3. Stress and Mood May Affect Sugar Cravings

Changes in dopamine, mood, or stress may play a role and lead some people with Parkinson’s to eat more sugary foods.

Research estimates that at least 50 percent of people with Parkinson’s also experience depression. In one study, people with Parkinson’s who were depressed ate more fast-acting carbohydrates than those who weren’t depressed.

Living with Parkinson’s can also be stressful. People with Parkinson’s commonly report that acute stress worsens motor symptoms, such as freezing of gait, dyskinesia, and tremor.

“When I’m stressed or have anxiety, my tremors get worse,” reported one MyParkinsonsTeam member. “Yes, stress is very bad for Parkinson’s disease, but it’s hard to avoid,” agreed another.

Some people cope with stress by eating sugary or comfort foods. Healthier options may include getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and trying mindfulness or breathing exercises.

4. Some Parkinson’s Medications May Increase Cravings

MyParkinsonsTeam members have also found that certain medications may be to blame for their cravings, as discussed in comments such as these:

• “I am on pramipexole, and yes, I have an incredible desire for sweet things.”
• “Pramipexole has increased my desire for sweets a lot.”

Dopamine agonists are Parkinson’s medications that mimic dopamine. These medications can cause impulse control disorders, including gambling, changed sexual behavior, binge eating, and compulsive shopping.

These impulse-control problems happen in about 1 in 6 people taking dopamine agonists. If you notice new cravings, binge eating, or behavior changes after starting or changing a Parkinson’s medication, tell your neurologist.

5. Parkinson’s May Be Linked to Changes in Gut Bacteria

Trillions of microorganisms live in your gut and make up what’s known as the gut microbiome. The microbiome’s makeup differs from person to person and can be shaped by diet, environment, and genetics.

Some gut bacteria help break down fiber and produce substances called short-chain fatty acids, which support gut health and immune function. A 2024 study found that people with Parkinson’s often have fewer of these bacteria and lower levels of short-chain fatty acids in their stool.

However, it’s not yet clear how sugar, gut bacteria, and Parkinson’s are connected. More research is needed to know whether changes in short-chain fatty acids directly affect Parkinson’s disease or sugar cravings.

7. Getting More Protein and Fiber Can Help Manage Sugar Cravings

You don’t have to avoid sugar completely. Limiting added sugar and choosing foods and meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats may help you feel full longer and manage cravings.

A study of 1,053 people with Parkinson’s found that fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, nuts and seeds, nonfried fish, olive oil, fresh herbs, and spices were associated with lower rates of disease progression.

The same study found that canned fruits and vegetables, diet and nondiet soda, fried foods, beef, ice cream, yogurt, and cheese were associated with more rapid progression. Because this was observational research, it cannot prove that any food caused Parkinson’s to progress faster or slower.

For a filling snack, try fruit with nuts or nut butter or whole-grain toast with peanut butter. Also ask your doctor whether you need to time any foods around your medication.

Join the Conversation

On MyParkinsonsTeam, people share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you noticed changes in sugar cravings since your Parkinson’s diagnosis? Let others know in the comments below.