Improving food intake in persons living with dementia

Abstract

Persons living with dementia have many health concerns, including poor nutritional states. This narrative review provides an overview of the literature on nutritional status in persons diagnosed with a dementing illness or condition. Poor food intake is a primary mechanism for malnutrition, and there are many reasons why poor food intake occurs, especially in the middle and later stages of the dementing illness. Research suggests a variety of interventions to improve food intake, and thus nutritional status and quality of life, in persons with dementia. For family care partners, education programs have been the focus, while a range of intervention activities have been the focus in residential care, from tableware changes to retraining of self-feeding. It is likely that complex interventions are required to more fully address the issue of poor food intake, and future research needs to focus on diverse components. Specifically, modifying the psychosocial aspects of mealtimes is proposed as a means of improving food intake and quality of life and, to date, is a neglected area of intervention development and research.

A Systematic Review of Home-Setting Psychoeducation Interventions for Behavioral Changes in Dementia: Some Lessons for the COVID-19 Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Assistance

“…In agitation management, a study aimed at satisfying basic needs proved effective in reducing verbal agitation ( 44 ). Improving the patient’s food intake and nutritional status is also essential to reduce agitation and improve this group’s quality of life ( 45 ).…”

National study of the nutritional status of Korean older adults with dementia who are living in long‐term care settings

“…verbal prompts and cues, positive reinforcement, appropriate praise and encouragement), increased time spent by nurses on feeding, specific behavioral and communication strategies during meals, and training programs that target older adults (e.g. Montessori methods and spaced retrieval) (Keller, ; Liu, Galik, Boltz, Nahm, & Resnick, ; Volkert et al , ).…”

Nutrition Care for Residents with Dementia in Long-Term Care Homes: Umbrella Review of Care Aide and Registered Dietitian Services

“…Amella (30) posits that attention must be paid to not only what residents eat but how they eat and are supported to eat, but cautions that education or training must be paired with adequate staff time and an appreciation that residents with dementia often present challenges to mealtimes and nutrition care. Keller (5) agrees that more robust research on interventions that address the many components that comprise nutrition care for individuals with dementia is needed.…”

“…Of particular interest is the evidence base to support nutrition care practices within the LTC setting, and interventions aimed at improving nutrition related health outcomes for residents with dementia within the LTC setting. LTC residents with dementia may experience impairment in eating ability (2,5), yet eating and drinking remain a source of pleasure even for those with severe dementia (6) that also increases general well-being and quality of life (7).…”