NUT Wk 14 - Dementia Flashcards
At what age does cognition typically peak, and how does it change over time?
Cognition peaks around 30 years of age and slowly declines with age. Mild changes in cognition are a normal part of aging.
What is the difference between normal aging and cognitive impairment?
Normal aging involves mild cognitive changes, but mild cognitive impairment and dementia indicate a greater decline in cognition than expected for someone’s age.
What are some conditions often associated with dementia?
Dementia is often part of other diagnoses, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (traumatic brain injury), and vascular dementia.
What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?
cognitive decline is greater than expected for age, education, or development but do not affect the ability to carry out activities of daily living (ADL)
What is Dementia?
Same as with MCI but ADLs are affected
What are the common age-related body changes in muscle and bone?
Muscle loss (3–8% per decade after 30, increasing after 60), bone loss, and an increase in body fat are common age-related changes.
How does aging affect cardiovascular and renal systems?
Aging reduces cardiovascular fitness and causes arteriosclerosis, while renal changes decrease function and make it harder to maintain fluid balance.
What gastrointestinal changes occur with aging?
Reduced digestive secretions, loss of gastric acid (affecting absorption of B12, thiamine, folate, calcium, and iron), increased transit time (constipation), and early satiety.
How do caloric and macronutrient needs change with aging?
Caloric needs generally decrease but depend on activity. Complex carbohydrates (45–65% of energy) and healthy fats (20–35%) are emphasized. Protein needs vary based on health status, ranging from 0.8 g/kg to 1.5 g/kg body weight.
What are the recommendations for calcium, iron, and sodium intake in older adults?
Calcium: Increases to reduce bone loss.
Iron: Postmenopausal requirements drop; supplementation is not recommended.
Sodium: Limited to 2300 mg to avoid fluid retention and high blood pressure.
Why is vitamin optimization important for older adults, and which vitamins are emphasized?
Aging affects vitamin needs:
- Folate: Prevents homocysteine-related atherosclerosis.
- B6: Preserves muscle mass.
- B12: Needed due to reduced absorption.
- Vitamin D: Supports calcium needs and reduced outdoor time.
How does aging affect fluid intake requirements?
Aging alters the thirst mechanism, reduces kidney water conservation, and increases risks of dehydration or overhydration. General fluid needs are 1.2–3 L based on size and activity.
Why is understanding the cause of dementia important for nutritional support?
Nutritional support depends on the cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause (up to half of cases) and serves as the focus for many therapeutic options.
What should always be considered when creating a nutritional plan for dementia patients?
Consider comorbidities, medications, and age-related changes to nutritional needs.
What is the role of prevention in dementia?
Many dementia risk factors are preventable. Recognizing their lifelong impact is crucial because treatment after diagnosis is challenging.
What dietary components are associated with neuroprotection?
Neuroprotection involves antioxidants and polyphenols, such as:
Antioxidants: Pinocembrin (honey), Naringenin (citrus), Luteolin (radicchio).
Polyphenols: Curcuminoids, Allicin (garlic), Alpha lipoic acid (spinach, broccoli).
What are some therapeutic diets that reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
- Mediterranean diet: Rich in healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables.
- Healthy Japanese diet: Emphasizes fish, rice, and vegetables.
- MIND diet: Combines Mediterranean and DASH diets to promote brain health.
What is the MIND diet, and why is it important?
The MIND diet is a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets designed to delay neurodegenerative changes and promote brain health.
What are the main food recommendations of the MIND diet for brain health?
- Whole grains: 3+ servings/day.
- Vegetables: 1+ servings/day (other than leafy greens).
- Green leafy vegetables: 6+ servings/week.
- Nuts: 5+ servings/week.
- Beans: 4+ meals/week.
- Berries: 2+ servings/week.
- Poultry: 2+ meals/week.
- Fish: 1+ meal/week.
What fats and oils are recommended in the MIND diet?
Use mainly olive oil for added fat
What foods are limited or avoided in the MIND diet?
Pastries and sweets: Less than 5 servings/week.
Red meat: Less than 4 servings/week.
Cheese and fried foods: Less than 1 serving/week.
What impact does following the MIND diet have on Alzheimer’s disease risk?
High engagement: 53% lower risk of Alzheimer’s.
Moderate engagement: 35% lower risk.
How does the MIND diet affect cognitive health and brain function?
Participants with higher MIND diet scores had:
- Better cognitive functioning.
- Larger brain volume.
- Higher memory scores.
- Lower risk of dementia.
- Slower cognitive decline, even in those with Alzheimer’s or stroke history.
What strategies can help individuals with dementia during mealtimes?
Use modified utensils and dishes, offer finger foods, allow adequate time, protect mealtimes, and reduce distractions to minimize frustration.
What are key considerations for calorie targets in dementia patients?
- Prevent weight loss from inadequate intake, depression, or self-feeding difficulties.
- Increase calorie targets for individuals who pace or wander frequently.
What dietary modifications can support individuals with dementia?
- Offer nutrient-dense foods to address early satiety.
- Include oily fish for omega-3 fatty acids.
- Ensure potassium intake to prevent muscle loss.
- Vary fruits and vegetables for antioxidant diversity.
