We are shaped by our stage of life in large part by our nutritional needs. For seniors, the complexity of their lives is reflected in their complex nutritional needs.
In fact, an elderly person’s body has different energy requirements and nutritional needs. The right food choices are imperative to keep health concerns such as cancer and cardiovascular disease at bay. However, the food must be accessible, easy to prepare and appetising. Above all, the elderly person or a caregiver needs to know and remember all of this – particularly if they live at home.
Mindful of these issues, RHA Academy recently launched “Nutritional Care & Support For Person Living With Dementia.” This course will equip you with knowledge and understanding of dementia nutrition care. This module will focus on eating issues and the challenges of dementia affecting nutritional status.
Around 50 million people worldwide have dementia, the main form of which is Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is a major cause of disability and dependence in older adults, and its prevalence is expected to triple by 2050 due to the ageing of the population. In fact, much of the research has considered dementia as a composite and are probably influenced by differing dietary factors.
Dementia is a chronic and progressive disease characterized by the decline of mental functions, such as reasoning, memory, and thinking. As such, a person’s daily habits and activities are affected, which adversely impacts the person as well as the caregiver.
“Eat Well, Eat Right”
We have all heard this adage so many times during our childhood, but good nutrition is vital for one’s overall well-being, regardless of age. However, as dementia progresses, feeding and maintaining nutritional status becomes challenging. Patients may forget to eat, get overwhelmed by the thali or have trouble expressing dental issues or mouth ulcers. Caretakers have a challenging time maintaining a balance between appetite and food texture in the latter stages of dementia.
Nutritional needs in dementia.
Focusing on the program’s objectives, now, more than ever, there is a strong need to educate senior citizens about their dietary requirements. A recent survey by AARP Foundation found that although seniors were interested in eating nutritious food as their age increased, their understanding of nutrition labels declined.
We all know that elderly people consume fewer calories than do young people. As we age, our metabolism slows down, our lean muscle mass diminishes, and our energy needs decrease. Due to this, it’s all the more imperative for the elderly to make every bite count. RHA Academy’s program focuses on the nutritional challenges that contribute to dementia.
To learn more about our program, visit our website for more info.