Oral and enteral nutrition in dementia: an overview.

The number of people currently living with dementia in the UK is estimated to be 850 000 and this is expected to rise to over 1 million by the year 2025. Dementia is a progressive terminal disease and the rate of decline is unique to each person; however, cognitive deterioration can be accelerated by undernutrition. This article discusses evidence-based approaches in the use of oral and enteral nutrition interventions for people living with dementia and ways to support their caregivers. The discussion of interventions to improve oral nutrition includes changes to the environment, support with feeding difficulties, nutritional supplements and education and training for caregivers.