AFT Webinar – May 2026 (Nutritional Therapy for Neurodegenerative and Neurological Health)

What if the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the health of our gut could be driving neurodegeneration, and what if changing them could help reverse it?

It sounds radical, but for people living with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions, a growing body of evidence suggests that environmental toxins, gut dysfunction, and nutritional deficiencies may play a far greater role in the onset and progression of disease than most of us realise. For fitness and rehabilitation professionals, understanding this picture opens up a fascinating new dimension of client care.

This webinar is a welcoming introduction to nutritional therapy and functional medicine in the context of neurological health. No prior knowledge is needed, and no background in nutrition is assumed. Starting from the basics, we explore the key drivers of neurodegeneration, including toxic load, pathogen burden, and the gut-brain connection, and what these mean for the clients you work with every day. The session moves from science into practice, looking at the dietary and lifestyle foundations that support brain health and how exercise professionals can work alongside nutritional therapy to deliver more rounded, effective outcomes for their clients.

The session is brought to life through a real-world case study, showing how targeted nutritional support can produce meaningful improvements in both motor and non-motor function for someone living with Parkinson’s.

This webinar is suitable for:

• Personal Trainers
• Exercise Referral Instructors
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Specialist Nurses (PD/MS)
• Exercise Physiologists
• Rehabilitation and exercise specialists

If you are curious about how nutrition and environment connect to the conditions you work with, this session is for you. You do not need to be a nutrition expert to get enormous value from this webinar. Come with an open mind, and leave with a whole new lens on brain health and the clients you support.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Describe the principles of nutritional therapy and functional medicine, and how they differ from standard dietary advice
• Identify key environmental and lifestyle drivers of neurodegeneration, including toxic exposure, pathogen load, and gut dysfunction
• Explain the gut-brain connection and its relevance to conditions such as Parkinson’s disease
• Outline practical, evidence-informed dietary and lifestyle strategies that support brain health and complement exercise prescription
• Recognise the role of nutritional therapy as part of a multidisciplinary approach to supporting clients with neurological conditions
• Reflect on current practice and identify opportunities to signpost clients toward appropriate nutritional support

About our Guests

Dr Kirstie Lawton, PhD, is an AfN, BANT, and CNHC-registered Nutritionist and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, with a PhD and BSc in Nutrition from Queen Margaret University and a DipION from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition. Kirstie specialises in adults with or at risk of Motor Neurone Disease (MND/ALS), and is currently completing a Master’s in Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration at the University of Sheffield. She also has 25 years’ experience in child and young adult nutrition, with a focus on gastrointestinal, neurological, and immune health.

Melody Mackeown is a BANT-registered Nutritionist and CNHC-registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, with a BSc in Psychology from the University of Bristol, an MSc in Personalised Nutrition from CNELM, Middlesex University, and a DipION from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London. Melody specialises in individuals presenting with, diagnosed with, or at risk of developing Parkinsonism, including Parkinson’s Disease, and is You Nutrition Clinic’s dedicated Parkinson’s Disease specialist. She also brings a strong clinical background in gastrointestinal health and the gut-brain axis, integrating the latest research in neuroinflammation, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and microbiome diversity to create tailored strategies that support both motor and non-motor symptoms.

What makes AFT Live Panel Webinars Unique?

Earn While You Learn

Attendees can claim 0.5 CIMSPA CPD points for participating in our live webinars, supporting your ongoing professional development and commitment to inclusive fitness practice.

Why Attend Our Live Webinars?

Real-Time Expertise: Connect directly with specialists in adaptive fitness, neurological conditions, and rehabilitation through our live format
Interactive Learning: Ask questions, get immediate answers, and engage with industry experts as the session unfolds
Flexible Viewing: Watch from your computer, tablet, mobile, or smart TV—wherever works best for you
Professional Networking: Connect with fellow fitness professionals who share your passion for inclusive health through our live chat
Practical Insights: Walk away with evidence-based strategies you can implement immediately in your practice

Who Should Join?

Qualified fitness professionals looking to expand their knowledge in adaptive fitness training. Whether you specialize in neurological conditions, work with clients with limb loss or spinal injuries, or simply want to build your confidence in inclusive health and rehabilitation, our webinars provide valuable CPD opportunities that enhance your professional practice.

Can't Join Live?

Don't worry! Register and you can watch the webinar back at a time that suits you. 

Please note CIMSPA CPD points are only available to claim to those watching live or watch the event back within 48 hours of the live broadcast.