Views and Experiences of People With Dementia, Informal Caregivers and Professionals on Eating and Drinking Difficulties: A Qualitative Systematic Review.
Mingjin Cai, Xiaoyan Gong, Yi Yang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This qualitative systematic review examined how people with dementia, informal caregivers and professionals experience eating and drinking difficulties. Searches of six databases identified 16 studies, whose findings were thematically synthesised. Four themes emerged: physiological and psychological changes; factors influencing eating and drinking; stakeholder needs and recommendations; and choices about eating methods in end-stage dementia. The review reports that these difficulties affect the well-being of both people with dementia and caregivers. A supportive dining environment may improve mealtime pleasure, while requiring caregiver time and energy; communication and professional support for decisions about enteral nutrition were also emphasised.
Key findings
- Thematic synthesis of 16 studies identified four themes spanning changes, influencing factors, stakeholder needs and end-stage eating-method decisions.
- Eating and drinking difficulties were reported to affect the well-being of people with dementia and their caregivers.
- A good dining environment can improve mealtime pleasure but requires caregivers’ time and energy.
- Effective communication was emphasised, with professional assistance considered crucial for enteral nutrition decisions in end-stage dementia.
Why it matters
The review brings together perspectives from people with dementia, caregivers and professionals, highlighting that mealtime difficulties involve well-being, care demands and decisions about nutrition. Its findings underscore the importance of communication and collaboration when tailoring nutritional plans and mealtime environments, and of supporting informed discussions about comfort feeding and enteral nutrition in advanced dementia.