Nutrition for Dementia Patients

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About the course

This course provides essential training on dementia and nutrition, focusing on the unique dietary challenges faced by individuals with dementia. It explores how cognitive decline impacts eating habits, appetite, and nutrient absorption, and offers practical strategies for caregivers to ensure proper nutrition, hydration, and safe feeding practices. Participants will learn how to prevent malnutrition, adapt meals to different stages of dementia, and create a supportive mealtime environment to enhance the overall well-being of those in their care.

What will you learn

Understanding Dementia and Its Impact on Nutrition

Learn what dementia is and how it affects memory, cognition, and physical abilities related to eating.
Understand why dementia patients experience appetite loss, food refusal, and swallowing difficulties.
Explore the link between nutrition and cognitive function, including the role of key nutrients in brain health.

Identifying and Addressing Nutritional Challenges

Recognise common nutritional deficiencies in dementia patients, such as vitamin B12, iron, and vitamin D.
Learn about hydration issues and how dehydration can worsen dementia symptoms.
Discover how different stages of dementia impact eating habits and how to adapt meal plans accordingly.

Meal Planning and Dietary Strategies for Dementia Care

Develop nutrient-rich meal plans tailored to dementia patients’ changing needs and preferences.
Understand how to modify food textures (e.g., pureed diets) for individuals with chewing and swallowing difficulties.
Learn practical strategies to encourage healthy eating, including meal presentation, environmental adjustments, and social mealtimes.

Safe Feeding Practices and Managing Mealtime Behaviours

Learn safe feeding techniques for late-stage dementia to prevent choking and aspiration risks.
Address common mealtime challenges, such as food refusal, wandering, and overeating.
Explore how caregivers can support hydration and monitor for signs of malnutrition.

Course Content

Module 1: Understanding Dementia and Nutritional Needs 11 Topics

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/11 Steps

What is Dementia? Part 1

What is Dementia? Part 2

The Link Between Nutrition and Cognitive Health Part 1

The Link Between Nutrition and Cognitive Health Part 2

Common Nutritional Deficiencies and Hydration Issues in Dementia Patients Part 1

Common Nutritional Deficiencies and Hydration Issues in Dementia Patients Part 2

How Dementia Affects Appetite and Eating Habits Part 1

How Dementia Affects Appetite and Eating Habits Part 2

Nutritional Challenges in Different Stages of Dementia

The Role of Caregivers in Supporting Nutritional Health Part 1

The Role of Caregivers in Supporting Nutritional Health Part 2

Module 2: Essential Nutrients for Brain Health 7 Topics

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/7 Steps

The Importance of a Balanced Diet for Dementia Patients Part 1

The Importance of a Balanced Diet for Dementia Patients Part 2

The Impact of Hydration on Cognitive Function

Managing Sugar and Processed Foods in the Diet Part 1

Managing Sugar and Processed Foods in the Diet Part 2

Supplements: Do They Help in Dementia Care? Part 1

Supplements: Do They Help in Dementia Care? Part 2

Module 3: Meal Planning and Dietary Strategies 5 Topics

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/5 Steps

Creating Nutrient-Dense Meal Plans Part 1

Creating Nutrient-Dense Meal Plans Part 2

Adapting Meals for Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia)

Encouraging Healthy Eating in Dementia Patients Part 1

Encouraging Healthy Eating in Dementia Patients Part 2

Module 4: Managing Nutritional Challenges in Dementia Care 4 Topics

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/4 Steps

Addressing Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss Part 1

Addressing Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss Part 2

Managing Mealtime Behavioural Challenges

Safe Feeding Practices for Late-Stage Dementia

Case Study 1 Topic

Lesson Content

0% Complete 0/1 Steps

Case Study

Quiz

References

Reference List

Alzheimer’s Society UK. (2024). Dementia and Nutrition: The Importance of a Balanced Diet. Retrieved from [www.alzheimers.org.uk](https://www.alzheimers.org.uk)

National Institute on Aging. (2023). Eating Well as You Age. Retrieved from [www.nia.nih.gov](https://www.nia.nih.gov)

British Dietetic Association. (2024). Nutrition for Older Adults with Dementia. Retrieved from [www.bda.uk.com](https://www.bda.uk.com)

Harvard Medical School. (2023). The MIND Diet and Brain Health. Retrieved from [www.health.harvard.edu](https://www.health.harvard.edu)

World Health Organization. (2024). Dementia: Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies. Retrieved from [www.who.int](https://www.who.int)

NHS England. (2024). Managing Malnutrition in Dementia Patients. Retrieved from [www.england.nhs.uk](https://www.england.nhs.uk)

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Swallowing Difficulties and Nutrition in Dementia. Retrieved from [www.mayoclinic.org](https://www.mayoclinic.org)

Public Health England. (2024). Hydration and Dementia: Best Practices for Caregivers. Retrieved from [www.gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk)

The Lancet Neurology. (2023). Nutritional Deficiencies and Cognitive Decline: A Review of Recent Studies. Retrieved from [www.thelancet.com](https://www.thelancet.com)

Alzheimer’s Research UK. (2024). The Role of Diet in Dementia Prevention and Management. Retrieved from [www.alzheimersresearchuk.org](https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org)