TY - JOUR
T1 - Exploring the Role of a Dietitian in an Early Intervention Program for People With Dementia and Their Care Partners
T2 - A Composite Case Series
AU - Bull, Caitlin
AU - Low, Elizabeth
AU - Holloway, Helen
AU - Kellett, Jane
AU - Roberts, Emilia
AU - Chelberg, Georgina
AU - Wiseman, Lara
AU - Chau, Angela
AU - Mitterfellner, Rachael
AU - Isbel, Stephen
AU - Bail, Kasia
AU - Gibson, Diane
AU - D'Cunha, Nathan M
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - Symptoms of dementia can impact the nutritional status and quality of life of people with dementia, but there is limited research exploring the dietitian's role in post-diagnostic care. This study aims to explore the role of a dietitian in a multidisciplinary dementia program for people living in the community. Participants in a twelve-week multicomponent, multidisciplinary post-diagnostic intervention for people with dementia and care partners were offered three consultations with a dietitian to receive dietary assessment, education and advice. Key clinical findings from dietetics case notes of 40 people with dementia were analyzed using a composite case series approach. Of these, 39 required ongoing nutrition support and intervention. Common issues identified include insufficient energy and/or nutrient intake, unintentional weight loss, poor management of comorbidities and difficulties with coordination of care. Dietitians are an integral part of a multicomponent intervention for dementia. Future work is needed to optimize dietetic care models. Running headline. Dietetics in an early intervention for dementia.
AB - Symptoms of dementia can impact the nutritional status and quality of life of people with dementia, but there is limited research exploring the dietitian's role in post-diagnostic care. This study aims to explore the role of a dietitian in a multidisciplinary dementia program for people living in the community. Participants in a twelve-week multicomponent, multidisciplinary post-diagnostic intervention for people with dementia and care partners were offered three consultations with a dietitian to receive dietary assessment, education and advice. Key clinical findings from dietetics case notes of 40 people with dementia were analyzed using a composite case series approach. Of these, 39 required ongoing nutrition support and intervention. Common issues identified include insufficient energy and/or nutrient intake, unintentional weight loss, poor management of comorbidities and difficulties with coordination of care. Dietitians are an integral part of a multicomponent intervention for dementia. Future work is needed to optimize dietetic care models. Running headline. Dietetics in an early intervention for dementia.
U2 - 10.1177/07334648251338302
DO - 10.1177/07334648251338302
M3 - Article
C2 - 40298505
SN - 0733-4648
SP - 1
EP - 12
JO - Journal of Applied Gerontology
JF - Journal of Applied Gerontology
ER -