Tool Kit. Strategies to facilitate eating and swallowing in people living with early-stage dementia

18 Nutrition is essential for physical and psychological functioning, well-being, and quality of life. Malnutrition is associated with reduced cognitive performance and the progression of dementia. People living with dementia are less likely to meet recommended daily nutrient values, which can contribute to malnutrition and conditions such as sarcopenia, leading to increased frailty and loss of functionality in this population. Malnutrition may occur due to changes associated with swallowing and meal times. Nutrition 2 SARCOPENIA Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, which can affect people living with dementia. The swallowing process transforms ingested food into a bolus that passes through the esophagus to the stomach. SWALLOWING PROCESS