Nutrition and dementia: what can we do to help?

Abstract

This review explores dementia progression and links to how the nutritional status of a person with dementia may be affected. It will also consider what health professionals based in community can do to maximise the nutritional status of the person with dementia. Practical, holistic suggestions-covering small appetite, communication difficulties, mood changes, swallowing problems and aversive mealtime behaviour-will be covered. Existing literature and current guidelines will be explored, common practice points around the nutritional care of people with dementia will be discussed, and local initiatives to help tackle malnutrition, particularly in those with dementia, will be highlighted.

Keywords: Community; Dementia; Holistic; Nutrition; Personal.