Nutritional Care Guidelines for the Elderly to Prevent Dementia

Abstract

Dementia is common among the elderly making them loss self-care and encounter brain symptoms and personality changes.  The progression of the disease affects the food consumption behavior of the elderly with dementia and may cause them to be undernourished or over nourished. A good nutrition would slow down the progression of the disease and help the elderly have good health. Good nutrition for older people includes eating three meals with all 5 food groups in the right proportion, eating brown rice instead of white rice, eating more vegetable especially dark green and multicolored vegetables, eating fish or easily digestible protein, drinking sufficient milk and clean water, At the same time, they should avoid high fat, too sweet, and too salty foods, abstaining or decreasing alcoholic beverages and smoking. In addition, other health behaviors should be promoted including maintain the standard body weight and body weight and body mass index of 18.5-22.9 kg./square meter, regularly take optimal exercise, and keep their mind healthy. If older people with dementia have limitations to eat by themselves, health care professionals or caregivers should seek solutions to assist them in order to maintain good nutrition and quality of life.