Nutrition and Dementia

Dementia is a progressive decline in the ability to remember, learn, understand, communicate and reason. Gradually a sufferer can lose the skills needed for day-to-day life and become completely dependant on those who care for them.

Changes in eating habits often take place as dementia progresses and mealtimes can become stressful. There are many nutritional implications involved with the various stages of dementia. These may include:

v      Swallowing problems

v      Loss of appetite

v      Taste changes

v      Constipation

v      Over eating

v      Under-eating

If you are concerned about a patient, member of your family or friends weight /dietary intake we would recommend you discuss these with a Dr or GP.

The mental health dietetic team is based at St James Hospital and can be contacted on 023 9289 4414.  We take referrals from GP’s or an individual’s mental health team if they are already involved. If necessary we can offer home visits.

A Speech and Language Therapist can help advise on suitable textures and Occupational Therapists can advise on feeding/drinking aids if appropriate.  We have placed the diet sheet below for a soft diet.

For the leaflet ‘Soft Diet’ please click below:

HOW TO CHOOSE A SOFT DIET

More detailed information can be provided via the Alzheimer’s Society or their website:

Alzheimer’s Society

Paulsgrove community centre

Marsden Rd

Paulsgrove

Portsmouth

PO6 4JB

023 9237 6410