Managing malnutrition in patients with dementia.

As dementia progresses, an individual may experience increasing difficulties in eating and drinking safely. Evidence suggests that admission to hospital may exacerbate these problems. This article aims to familiarise readers with some of the issues associated with providing good nutritional care for a patient with dementia in hospital. Strategies to address the maintenance of oral intake are suggested. The article also explores the use of artificial nutrition in dementia, with examples to clarify when its use may be helpful.