If your loved one is living with dementia or has just received a diagnosis, you and your family may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps.
That is completely understandable.
At Bluebird Care Bournemouth and Poole, we are here to support you as you make the most suitable choices and will provide high-quality care to maintain or improve your family member’s quality of life as best as possible.
There are many factors to consider when making plans with or for someone with dementia. One of these is the importance of nutrition and ensuring their intake and food options are appropriate, beneficial, and enjoyable. Our partnerships with local initiatives, such as the Ageing and Dementia Research Centre, enable us to access and provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and services and incorporate this into our care.
Good nutrition is important for everyone and plays a pivotal role in the health and well-being of someone living with dementia. Read on to learn more about this topic and to find out how we can help you and your loved one.
Why is it important to consider nutrition for people with dementia?
Eating habits and intake may be one area that is affected for some people with dementia. This can be for some reasons such as:
- Cognitive changes that lead to missing meals and food preparation due to issues such as forgetfulness or confusion.
- Changes to taste preferences.
- Reduced appetite.
- Coordination difficulties.
- Swallowing or chewing difficulties.
- Co-existing factors related to ageing or other health conditions.
- Behaviour changes.
If food intake and nutrition absorption of a person with dementia are negatively affected, it has the potential to lead to issues such as:
- Weight loss.
- Weight gain.
- Poor nutritional status or malnutrition.
- Slower recovery from injury or illness.
- Frailty.
- Higher falls risk.
- Hospitalisation.
- Skin fragility.
- Increased requirements for health care.
- Increased financial burden.
- Decreased quality of life for the person with dementia.
- High levels of stress for family members.
- Missing the social interactions connected to eating, which may lead to difficulties such as withdrawal and mental health issues.
Subsequently, the plan developed and put in place for each person with dementia must incorporate requirements and preferences on an individual level with the aim of optimum nutritional input.
Taking steps to screen for nutritional issues and implement early intervention can also make a significant difference in the care of people with dementia.
What does current research tell us about dementia and nutrition?
Current research underscores the significant role nutrition plays in the development and progression of dementia. Studies suggest that following a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
For example, research from Alzheimer's Research UK indicates that adherence to a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil, is linked to improved brain health and a slower progression of dementia.
On the other hand, consuming processed meats, even in small amounts, has been associated with a higher risk of dementia, with studies suggesting a 13% increased risk from consuming just a quarter serving daily.
Additionally, weight loss is a common issue in dementia, with studies, such as those cited by Alzheimer's Society, showing that 20-45% of individuals with dementia experience significant weight loss during the year before diagnosis.
Research also suggests that daily nut consumption can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 12%, with unsalted nuts providing the most benefit.
While further research is needed, these findings collectively suggest that a nutrient-rich, balanced diet, along with healthy lifestyle habits, plays a crucial role in supporting cognitive health and potentially lowering dementia risk.
Nutritional support options for people living with dementia
Alongside our services, Bluebird Care Bournemouth and Poole is proud to have connections with several fantastic local initiatives.
This means we can not only support our wider community but can also deliver high-quality options to our service users. This may lead to choices that support good nutrition and overall well-being.
Examples of options we provide or can help you to access include:
- Home care delivered by a professional care expert.
- Shared care delivered in combination with care workers and family members.
- Cutting-edge, evidence-based resources and information such as that created by The Ageing and Dementia Research Centre.
- Events such as Ageing Well Together, which demonstrates The Ageing and Dementia Research Centre’s research and community projects.
- Groups that provide support and connection, such as the Chitter Chatter Club.
Bluebird Care and the Ageing and Dementia Research Centre
The Ageing and Dementia Research Centre works towards consolidating research expertise to conduct potentially life-changing research with the overall goal of supporting older adults and their families, as well as relevant professionals. This is crucial work for our community as the ageing population continues to expand.
With their research on dementia, neurological conditions, and healthy ageing, we are excited to connect with The Ageing and Dementia Research Centre.
Their work supports areas such as dementia education, marginalised groups, person-centred nutritional care, and appropriate environments for older adults and people with dementia.
For example, their project related to implementing new screenings and treatment for malnutrition is compelling and may be pivotal to our services in the future. Research into preventing dementia and understanding the underlying factors in more depth is also critical.
Take supported steps towards better nutrition
The team at Bluebird Care understands how difficult it may be for families to know how they can support their loved one who has dementia.
With so many aspects to consider, service options on offer, and an expanding body of research, you may feel unsure about the most appropriate route to take. That is why we are dedicated to making the process as simple and smooth as possible.
If you are supporting a family member with dementia, please contact us to ask any questions you may have or to begin organising care. We look forward to meeting and assisting you and your loved one.
