Malnutrition is a widespread risk for those with dementia living in long-term care. Research has shown that nearly 29% of people living with dementia in the UK are malnourished1, and the risk of malnutrition in long-term care facilities is around 57%2. This UK Malnutrition Awareness Week, we’re shedding light on the impact of malnutrition and how clinical trials are helping to make a difference.
What is malnutrition?
Malnutrition is a condition that occurs when your diet does not contain the correct amount of nutrients to sustain you. This can mean you are not getting enough nutrients, you are getting more than you need, or are getting an unbalanced diet3.
For many older individuals, it can be seen as weight loss or low body weight, meaning they are not eating enough to sufficiently maintain their health and well-being4. This is often unintentional and can quickly begin to have adverse effects.
Why are people with dementia at risk for malnutrition?
Dementia can change the way a person eats and can hinder their ability or desire to eat. The cognitive decline that characterises dementia makes daily tasks increasingly difficult as the condition progresses; those living with the condition may find meal preparation too overwhelming or may forget to eat and drink4.
People living with dementia may also experience a reduced appetite or a change in food preferences such that previously preferred food is not eaten4.
Alongside cognitive impairment, around 45% of people living with dementia also develop difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) in the later stages5. Achieving adequate nutrition becomes increasingly challenging, and eating and drinking can become dangerous due to the risk of choking and risk of lung infections.
Malnutrition in those with dementia can accelerate the progression of the condition and cause overall health to decline more quickly. Individuals become more susceptible to infections due to a weakened immune system, experience exacerbated cognitive decline and are at an increased risk of falls and fractures.
Dementia and clinical trials
Clinical trials are exploring the impact of different diets and nutrients on brain health and their ability to prevent and manage dementia.
Recent research has found that high-quality anti-inflammatory diets (e.g., the Mediterranean diet) are associated with a lower risk of dementia6 and ketogenic diets (high fat, low carbohydrate) may be linked to improved cognitive performance in adults with mild cognitive impairment7.
This research is key to the development of strategies for the prevention and management of malnutrition. By taking a more holistic approach to dementia care, we can improve quality of life for those with dementia and further our understanding of how the disease can be prevented or delayed through food.
Is your memory not what it used to be?
Did you know that MAC proudly provide free memory tests for over 50s to the local communities in Lancashire, Merseyside, South Staffordshire, South Yorkshire, Teesside, and West Yorkshire?
At MAC’s Memory Clinic, you can benefit from:
- An appointment within four weeks with the specialist team who are registered Dementia Friends
- Assessment and discussion of memory concerns in a relaxed, friendly environment
- Explanation of the results of the assessment
- Liaison with your GP
- Ongoing memory reviews where needed
- Opportunity to access potential new treatments via clinical trials.
If you are over 50 years old and have concerns about your memory, visit our Memory Assessment Research Clinic’s webpage for more information and to register for a free memory test.
References
1 Borda et al. (2021) – Association of Malnutrition with Functional and Cognitive Trajectories in People Living with Dementia: A Five-Year Follow-Up Study
2 Perry, Walton and Lambert (2023) – Prevalence of Malnutrition in People with Dementia in Long-Term Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
3 NHS UK – Malnutrition
4 The Malnutrition Task Force – State of the Nation 2024
5 National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders – Caregiver’s Guide to Dysphagia in Dementia
6 Youn et al. (2025) – Association of Mediterranean, high-quality, and anti-inflammatory diet with dementia in UK Biobank cohort
7 Giudici (2021) – Nutrition-Based Approaches in Clinical Trials Targeting Cognitive Function: Highlights of the CTAD 2020
