engleski

Nutritional assessment of patients with primary progressive dementia at the time of diagnosis-our experience

Patients with different types of dementia can experience changes in their nutritional status. Due to impaired cognitive functions individual with dementia over time may develop several feeding difficulties as well as changes in eating and dietary habits. Changes in eating habits can reduce dietary diversity and lead to an unbalanced nutrient intake and malnutrition. In addition to impaired cognitive function, it has been recognized that such patients possess specific eating habits that include an increased or decreased appetite, dysphagia, hyperphagia , a preference for sweet and carbohydrate foods and the consumption of nonfood items which may affect nutritional status. Nutritional status in patients with dementia can also be compromised by severe deficiencies in micronutrients such as folate, vitamin B12 or thiamin and vitamin D. Nutritional deficit can begin in the early stages of the disease, which if not addressed can increase the rate of deterioration, as well as increasing risk of falls, infections and pressure sores. Dietary monitoring and intervention should be initiated immediately after giving the diagnosis of primary progressive dementia with the aim of reducing nutritional deficits, preventing a further and greater impairment in cognitive functions.

primary progressive dementia, nutritional status, eating habits, vitamin deficit, malnutrition

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