logo hmc Registered Dietitian Newsletter
RD Poll
No Poll this week. Thank you to all of you who took part in last weeks Breakfast Challenge and Poll! See below for results!
 
 
Quick Links:
   
 
 
    
 CD
 
California Coalition for Culture Change
Breakfast Challenge Poll Results!
The Breakfast Challenge made a difference in your facilities with our RDs experiencing:
  • Mid Morning Energy
  • Quiet Stomachs
  • Better Attitudes
  • Positive Sense
     of Well Being
  • Reduced Snacking

Great Job!!! And many of you reported that you will continue to make an effort to eat breakfast daily! 

 Congratulations goes to...Joanne M, RD...winner of the Breakfast Challenge Poll, and a $10 Starbucks gift card for breakfast on the go!...Joanne shared that her "other" choice of breakfast includes; "cold ceral or Museli (oatmeal/greek yogurt/chopped fresh fruit/walnuts/honey ummm!" 2 days a week she adds an egg, and also brews her own coffee...
 
 
Issue: 36 October 1, 2009
Greetings! 
 
Dementia is the topic for this issue of the RDNews. Kim Bartolomeo shares some valuable information, tips and links that could make a difference in your facility.

See side bar for results from and the winner of last week's Breakfast Challenge Poll!
RD News

Dining with Dementia
Researchers predict that the number of people with dementia will sam walk for curedouble every 20 years across the globe. The latest research published by Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) shows that over the next 20 years the number of people with dementia is expected to increase by:

  • 40% in Europe (44% in Western Europe)
  • 63% in North America
  • 77% in southern Latin America
  • 89% in developed Asia Pacific countries
Long Term Magazine sites a report from the 2009 World Alzheimer's Report that states: 35 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer's and Dementia (a 10% increase since 2005).  With numbers like these, healthcare workers across the globe will be affected as well as dietitians in long term care. 
Resources
alzhemeirs associationThe Alzheimer's Association is a valuable resource when working with this particular population. I urge each and every one of you to visit this website and use their information when working with your patients that may have Dementia or Alzheimer's. 
RD Tip
The biggest challenges that dietitians will face when working with residents that have dementia are:  loss of appetite, weight loss, and meal times.
 
Regular nutritious meals may become a challenge in this population.  There are several things to ask yourself when observing your residents with dementia. You may discover by your very own observation the answers to most of your questions regarding Dementia and dining.  a dementia dining woman
 
Here are some "Dining with Dementia" tips to consider: 
  • Set up regular mealtimes and stick with it.
  • Limit distractions (keep radio either off or lower volume), keep talking to a minimal. 
  • Avoid asking too many questions.
  • Keep table settings simple: none or very simple centerpieces, no table cloth, avoid too many patterns on dishes and place mats, use solid colors if possible with plates and décor.
  • Check food temperature as this population may not be able to distinguish hot vs. cold.
  • Serve only 1 or 2 foods at a time, avoid putting all foods in front of them at one time.
  • Food preference may change daily
  • Be cautious with foods that may be a choking hazard.
  • Consider getting plates with suction cups and no- spill glasses. There will be messes, but do not focus on neatness.
  • Speak slowly and clearly, use simple easy to understand instructions such as "Pick up your fork. Put some food on it. Raise it to your mouth."
    • Dear Dietitians;
      Feel free to contact HMC if you have any questions regarding Kim Byour dining program specifically working with the dementia population.  A few simple steps such as the ones listed above can possibly improve the overall nutrition of your residents. 
     
    Kim Bartolomeo, MS, RD