Malnutrition Response - Dementia

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Dementia Response Help Always.docx

Patient Malnutrition

Patient malnutrition is a very real and serious matter; it can lead to a worsening of the patient's condition, a longer hospital stay, or even be as serious as to contribute to patient death. There are a variety of diseases, conditions, or situations in which patient malnutrition may occur; the malnutrition may develop while in the hospital, but it can also develop outside of the hospital as well. Choose a disease, condition, or situation in which a patient is likely to develop malnutrition and describe the characteristics or details of it. Note how malnutrition might develop in a patient (this could be a result of treatments, financial issues, drug interactions, etc.) and possible consequences of the malnutrition. In addition, discuss how malnutrition may be prevented, managed, or reversed in the patient. Are there specific tests that can be done to determine the nutritional status of your patient?

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Choose a disease, condition, or situation in which a patient is likely to develop malnutrition and describe the characteristics or details of it. Note how malnutrition might develop in a patient (this could be a result of treatments, financial issues, drug interactions, etc.) and possible consequences of the malnutrition. In addition, discuss how malnutrition may be prevented, managed, or reversed in the patient. Are there specific tests that can be done to determine the nutritional status of your patient? Older adults are more susceptible to malnutrition because they have weakened immune systems. Dementia is a condition that affects some older adults and often increases the risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition is often caused by too little food or not enough nutrients in the food that is being eaten (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014); however, the reasons for this may be more complex. There is often a combination of physical, social and psychological factors that contribute to malnutrition (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). People that have dementia may develop trouble swallowing or chewing making it very hard for them to get the nutrients they need to avoid malnutrition (Royal College of Nursing, n.d.). The elderly are often on fixed incomes, and living on a fixed income may compromise the food that they can afford. They often opt for cheaper food alternatives that may not offer the same nutrients as fresh food. Furthermore, with dementia, social contact is often decreased for the individual, and eating may not be enjoyable and may be skipped more often for this reason (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). Malnutrition can weaken the immune system making the person more susceptible to infections and also making it harder for that person to fight off the infection (Orphan Nutrition, n.d.). Malnutrition in the elderly can also lead to fatigue, decreased muscle function, difficulty breathing and a worsening in memory retention and confusion (Flinders, n.d.). There are several ways to prevent malnutrition in the elderly, and in those with dementia. In order to increase the intake of food on a daily basis, elderly should try to eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. It is also helpful to introduce extra protein and calories in the types of food and drink being ingested, such as milk, cheese and vegetables high in protein (Flinders, n.d.). Making sure foods are nutritious high energy, well balanced and high in protein will help the elderly person to maintain a balanced diet which helps prevent malnutrition. Furthermore, drinking plenty of fluids is essential. Other than maintaining a balanced diet, making sure that oral hygiene is maintained may prevent malnutrition (Flinders, n.d.). This is important so that the elderly are not kept from eating because of mouth pain. Support systems are another important aspect of preventing malnutrition. Often times the elderly are alone, so having friends, family or care takers around to encourage eating and nutrition or to help cook/prepare meals is one recommendation for minimizing the risk of malnutrition (Flinders, n.d.). If malnutrition does occur, there are several ways to manage and even reverse it. One of the most important things is to talk to a doctor to identify the severity and determine the factors that have contributed to the malnutrition. They may be able to adjust medications or prescribe medications if pain is the reason that the person is unable to eat (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). Another thing that can be done is to adjust the person’s diet to increase their protein and nutrient intake. Eating foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts will help to reverse malnutrition. Increasing overall caloric intake will also help, so having convenient, nutritious snacks readily available will make getting extra calories for energy easier (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). With people with dementia having in home care or people to bring meals will encourage eating, otherwise a person with dementia may forget to eat (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). Having people around during meal time will make it more of a social event as well, which could encourage eating. Blood tests can be done to determine the individuals nutritional status if malnutrition is a concern. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels can be measured, and if they fall below a certain level, a person’s nutritional status is not good (Laboratory assessment of nutritional status, 1973). Vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C, A, D, E, and K levels in the blood can be measured to determine nutritional status. Other minerals and level of blood lipids can also be measured (Laboratory assessment of nutritional status, 1973). All these together can be used to determine a person’s nutritional status and can be used to identify malnutrition. References Flinders, Kate. (n.d.). How To Prevent Malnutrition In The Elderly. Aged Care Nutrition Services. Retrieved from http://agedcare-nutrition.com.au/resources/prevent-malnutrition-in-elderly Laboratory assessment of nutritional status (November 1973). AJPH Supplement, Vol. 63. Retrieved from http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdfplus/10.2105/AJPH.63.11_Suppl.28 Mayo Clinic Staff. (13 September, 2014). Senior health: How to prevent and detect malnutrition. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/caregivers/in-depth/senior-health/art-20044699 Orphan Nutrition. (n.d.). Impact of malnutrition on health and development. Joint Council. Retrieved from http://www.orphannutrition.org/understanding-malnutrition/impact-of-malnutrition-on-health-anddevelopment/ Royal College of Nursing. (n.d.). Nutrition for specific groups. Retrieved from http://www.rcn.org.uk/development/practice/nutrition/nutrition_for_specific_groups
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