Publication details
Alzheimer Disease - Malnutrition and Nutritional Support
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2007 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | 1. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system and its progression is often connected with a development of severe malnutrition. However, sufficient data on nutritional state and intervention regarding the progression of AD are not yet available. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between nutritional support and the improvement, or the maintenance, of patients' health. 2. One hundred AD patients were included in a 2 year study. Voluntary food intake was measured during the first year, following which patients were randomized into one of two groups. The study group received a 600 kcal supplement to their regular diet, whereas the control group continued on the standard diet. Nutritional parameters, voluntary food intake and mental state were monitored every 2nd month of the study period. 3. Patients with Alzheimer's dementia who died had been suffering from severe malnutrition during the last 3 months of their lives. A significant decline in mental functions was discovered in AD patients also suffering from malnutrition. Nutritional support significantly slowed the deterioration of the mental function of AD patients. 4. The present study shows that patients with AD are undernourished despite normal voluntary energy intake. Nutritional intervention significantly decreased the progression of deterioration of the mental function of AD patients, as well as other complications. It is concluded that dietary counselling and nutritional support in patients with AD are clinically important and reduce the impairment of mental function. |