ATT FRÄMJA NUTRITION HOS PERSONER MED DEMENS : EN systematisk litteraturstudie

Background: Dementia is a condition for several diseases affecting primarily the elderly population causing impaired cognitive abilities. Other complications include weight loss, nutritional concerns, diminished speech ability and personality changes amongst other. Problem: An unsatisfactory eating environment for persons with dementia can cause diminished food intake leading to increased varius health problems. Lack for insight health care professional can increase the risk for malnutrition, dehydration and deterioration in quality of life. Purpose: The purpose is to describe how health care professionals can support persons with dementia with nutrition and the chalenges that arise. Method: A systematic literature study describing synthesis according to Evans (2002). Result: The theme” adjust the meal situation” with corresponding subthemes” plan before the meal” and” plan during the meal”. The theme ”adjust the meal setting” with corresponding subthemes ”the physical setting” and ”the social setting”. Conclusion: The thesis highlights the challenges the health care professionals face in special care units for persons with dementia. The challenges with meal settings that can lead to deteriorating quality of life. The thesis also highlights the strategies implemented by the health care professionals to provide the persons with dementia nutritional intake leading to better quality of life. It was clear from the beginning the complexity the health care professionals are facing in their approach towards the persons with dementia regarding their nutritional statues. Keywords: Dementia, environment, meal, nutrition, qualitativ study