Dementia sufferers face malnutrition risk

MPs are stepping up efforts to improve food standards in hospitals and care homes following claims that people with dementia are at risk from malnutrition.

The issue was raised last week in an Early Day Motion by Dartford MP Howard Stoate in advance of the Alzheimer's Society report Food for Thought, marking Alzheimer's Awareness Week from 2 July.

The report, based on a survey of 4,000 carers, looked at whether those in care homes and hospitals were getting enough to eat and drink and whether they were given enough time and help with eating.

The society's chief executive, Harry Cayton, claimed that "large numbers" of people suffering from dementia were at risk. "Those who care for them are not sufficiently aware of the problems people with dementia have with eating and drinking," he said.

"The survey shows that, in all too many cases, the quality of care for people with dementia is poor."

The Early Day Motion recognises the problems people with dementia face in getting an "adequate and nutritious" diet in care homes, hospitals and their own homes.

It calls for greater support and advice on eating and diet for carers of those with dementia; increased dementia training for health and social care staff in care homes and the National Health Service; and improved standards of food provision.

The motion, which has been backed by six MPs, will now be circulated to all MPs to gain their support during the current parliamentary session and to help raise awareness of the problem.

by Sara Macefield