[Dementia and Nutrition - a brief overview]

The continued ageing of our society results in an increased prevalence of dementia. It is therefore of interest to question possible effects of a balanced right diet in the prevention of dementia as well as focus on the specific dietary needs of patients suffering from dementia. Epidemiologic studies have linked a Mediterranean diet to a decreased risk of developing dementia. Various current studies are being done to determine which nutritional components are causing the effect and whether single food components can cause similar outcomes. Malnutrition, Sarcopenia and Frailty are frequent co morbidities in moderate to severe dementia resulting in an increased care-dependency as well as a higher mortality rate. To prevent this, a timely intervention with a suitable diet is required.