ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews how intrinsic, pathological and extrinsic factors may affect the nutrition of elderly people and suggests practical ways to help recognize and address dietary problems. Several changes occur within the body with increasing age. This change in the body's composition leads to a decrease in basal metabolic rate which translates into a lower requirement for energy from food. In 1991, the Department of Health published the dietary reference values from the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy. This provided comprehensive information on the requirements of nutrients for healthy adults. Drugs may affect appetite, gastrointestinal function and interact with foods, known as drug-nutrient interactions. The severity of the dementia increases the challenge of successfully managing any nutritional consequences. Dementia may also eventually lead to neurogenic dysphagia, and unless carefully monitored may result in rapid weight loss through diminished food intake.
