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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Nutrition and dementia: a review of the Evidence

This report, released by the Alzheimer’s Disease International promotes the important link between a healthy diet and good nutrition to the quality of life for those with dementia.  Based on current research, this report provides recommendations for practice, as well as an overview on current international practice. 
Key messages from the report:
·         Undernutrition is common amongst people with dementia in all world regions (although it should and can be avoided).  It tends to be progressive, with weight loss often preceding the onset of dementia
·         There are many dietary factors that might plausibly increase or decrease risk for the onset of dementia.  However there is no current evidence to support a causal protective role for Vitamins B6, B12, C or E, folate or omega-3 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids)
·         The reasons underlying weight loss and undernutrition in dementia are complex, multifactorial and only partly understood
·         No evidence currently exists to support nutritional supplementation can modify the course of dementia.  Vitamin E shows some promise, but at doses that may lead to harmful side effects
·         The environment can play an important role to enhance mealtime in a long-term care facility

For more information and to download a copy of the report, please visit:   http://bit.ly/1i3Ujtq

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