1 – Unit 15: Understanding and Meeting the Nutritional Requirements of Individuals with Dementia

1.1 Describe how cognitive, functional and emotional changes associated with dementia can affect eating, drinking and nutrition

Cognitive, functional and emotional changes associated with dementia can affect eating, drinking and nutrition in a variety of ways. Cognitive decline leads to difficulties making decisions or remembering when to eat or drink; decreased energy levels may reduce mobility which makes preparing meals more difficult; reduced awareness of thirst often results in inadequate hydration leading to further complications, including constipation. In addition, the onset of confusion and agitation can mean that mealtime becomes a stressful event for individuals living with dementia as they find it increasingly difficult to understand why they need food or how much they should be consuming.

Functional changes include an inability effectively use utensils during meal times due to declining motor skills such as grip strength–this makes it hard for someone living with dementia the ability enjoy the same foods as before without assistance from another person who is able to guide them through their mealtime routines like cutting up the meat into small bite-sized pieces that are more effortless swallow. Emotional issues arising from isolation caused by being separated from family and friends may reduce appetite as well. It is important to monitor the food intake of people with dementia and look out for potential signs of malnutrition, such as weight loss or dehydration.

Nutrition is essential to successful living in any stage of life; however, it can become increasingly challenging for individuals living with dementia due to its associated cognitive, functional and emotional changes. It’s therefore important that individuals receive appropriate support tailored specifically towards their needs in order to make sure they are adequately nourished throughout their illness journey. This may involve consulting a nutrition specialist about safe meal options that are both palatable enough to motivate them to eat but also nutritious enough to meet dietary requirements to maintain good health during this difficult time period.

Other answers in the full document:

• 1.2 Explain why it may be important for someone with dementia to have their personal and cultural preferences recognised with reference to food and drink
• 1.3 Explain how other health and emotional problems can affect the nutritional needs of individuals with dementia
• 1.4 Explain why it is important to include a variety of food and drink in the diet of an individual with dementia
• 2.1 Explain how a person-centred approach can support an individual with dementia to eat and drink as independently as possible
• 2.2 Explain how mealtime environments and food presentation can be designed to help an individual with dementia to eat and drink
• 2.3 Evaluate how mealtime cultures and environments can be a barrier to meeting the nutritional needs of an individual with dementia
• 3.3 Evaluate how a person-centred approach to meeting the nutritional requirements of an individual with dementia has affected the wellbeing of the individual