ABSTRACT
Members of the group were involved routinely with assessing and managing swallowing,
and mealtime difficulties in individuals with dementia. It was recognised that the difficulties
presented were often complex and variable, involving a range of skills. Difficulties varied
between individuals, depending on the stage of their dementia, the type of dementia, co-
occurring physical and sensory impairment, and differences in behaviour and personality. In
addition, the wider eating environment impacted on the person’s abilities, including the way
staff fed and interacted with the individual.
