Weight loss may even be an early indicator of dementia. For someone living at home with dementia there can be a number of difficulties in maintaining good nutrition and hydration.
These can include:
- Remembering to shop, cook, eat or drink (forgetting to drink can lead to dehydration and constipation, which can both cause delirium);
- Decreasing the variety of foods eaten. This can lead to vitamin deficiency which can then affect cognition;
- Consuming too much caffeine can affect both continence and mood;
- Changing alcohol consumption, such as drinking more because they have forgotten they have already had a drink;
- Changing ability to eat, such as chewing and swallowing;
- Eating non-food products and substances;
- Eating again because they have forgotten they have already eaten;
- Being unaware of spoiled food and having difficulties maintaining hygienic food practices;
- Possibly leaving the stove on which can be a fire hazard;
- Saying they are eating well which may be unreliable; and
- Using appliances and cutlery with difficulty.