Nutrition
People with dementia can experience particular problems in maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition.
- Memory problems: the person may forget when they last ate or drank
- Agnosia: they may not be able to recognise a plate, cup or food
- Dysphasia: the person may not be able to understand what staff are saying or to express if they are hungry or thirsty
- Dysphagia: the person may develop problems with chewing or swallowing
Patients with dementia should receive nutritional screening using the MUST tool to ensure those at risk of under nutrition or dehydration are identified and appropriate care plans are implemented.
Case Study
Early recognition of, and response to patients with a diagnosis of dementia is essential so that they receive safe and high quality person centred care. Staff should obtain a history or information of any diagnosis of dementia initially where possible from the patient, carer and family.
When a diagnosis of dementia has been confirmed, a purple dot should be put on the patient's identification band and a purple sticker on their case notes. This will help with the subtle identification of these patients by staff in all departments.
