Nutrition

A healthy diet is important to everyone regardless of their age or condition. If you are not eating a healthy diet, and do not get enough fluids, it has a negative effect on bodily functions, both physical and mental. You can become tense, irritable, lethargic and tired. An inadequate diet over a long period may result in diseases that can worsen the dementia condition.

In conjunction with making the diagnosis, some demented people will lose weight because they feel down and lose their appetite. Significant weight loss may cause impaired motor functions, weakness and more frequent illnesses.

Many people will also experience a decline in their quality of life and zest for life. They can feel lonely. They forget to shop, always buy the same things and perhaps do not cook. Demented people who live alone should be particularly aware of their nutritional condition. If you are not able to cook, you may be able to arrange for food to be brought to your home. 

People with dementia are rarely overweight, but you should be aware that being overweight may also cause a poor nutritional condition. Being overweight may be due to the person not having a sense of when they are full and forgetting whether they have eaten.

One suggestion is that you make arrangements with your relatives about how they can support you in relation to shopping, cooking and serving food. Your relatives can help you control your weight and ensure that you stay active.

• Ensure that you have regular and substantial meals with plenty of fluids.
• Accept help from your relatives for shopping.
• Arrange food to be brought to you if necessary.