Describe how cognitive, functional and emotional changes associated with dementia can affect eating, drinking and nutrition.

Understand and meet the nutritional requirements of individuals with dementia

Unit aim

This unit is about understanding that individuals may have specific nutritional needs because of their experience of dementia. Learners will develop their knowledge and skills in meeting these nutritional requirements and be able to provide evidence of their competence to enable individuals with dementia to eat and drink well.

Outcome 1 Understand the nutritional needs that are unique to individuals with dementia.

1. describe how cognitive, functional and emotional changes associated with dementia can affect eating, drinking and nutrition.

2. explain how poor nutrition can contribute to an individuals experience of dementia.

3. outline how other health and emotional conditions may affect the nutritional needs of an individual with dementia.

4. explain the importance of recognising and meeting an individuals personal and cultural preferences for food and drink.

5. explain why it is important to include a variety of food and drink in the diet of an individual with dementia.

Outcome 2 Understand the effect that mealtime environments can have on an individual with dementia.

1. describe how mealtime cultures and environments can be a barrier to meeting the nutritional needs of an individual with dementia.

2. describe how mealtime environments and food presentation can be designed to help an individual to eat and drink.

3. describe how a person centred approach can support an individual, with dementia at different levels of ability, to eat and drink.