Nutritional Care for Institutionalized Persons with Dementia: An Integrative Review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Science
• Dementia Care

Background:

• Older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairment like dementia, face significant malnutrition risks.
• Current nursing care guidelines for nutritional support in this population require updating.
• Institutionalized older adults with dementia present unique challenges for nutritional assessment and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the best available evidence on interventions for nutritional nursing care.
• To identify strategies that benefit institutionalized older adults with dementia.
• To inform updated nursing care guidelines.

Main Methods:

• An integrative review was conducted using multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, etc.) and search engines.
• Literature published between 2015 and 2021 was systematically searched.
• Study quality was assessed using MMAT, PRISMA, CASP, and JBI guidelines.

Main Results:

• Fifty-five studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.
• Evidence supports interventions focusing on assessment and care for individuals with dementia.
• Key findings emphasize the importance of the patient-caregiver dyad and contextual factors.

Conclusions:

• Nutritional nursing care for institutionalized older adults with dementia must encompass the patient-caregiver dyad.
• Contextual analysis, extending beyond the immediate environment, is crucial for effective care.
• Interventions should be tailored to the unique needs of this population and their support systems.