Exploring the Role of a Dietitian in an Early Intervention Program for People With Dementia and Their Care Partners - Journal of Applied Gerontology Composite Case Series

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Bulrr

Symptoms of dementia can affect nutritional status and quality of life, yet research on the dietitian’s role in post-diagnostic care remains limited. This composite case series investigates a multidisciplinary, twelve-week postdiagnostic intervention for community-dwelling people with dementia and care partners. Participants received three dietitian consultations covering dietary assessment, education, and advice. Dietetics case notes from 40 participants were analyzed, showing 39 needed ongoing nutrition support and intervention. Common issues included insufficient energy and/or nutrient intake, unintentional weight loss, poor comorbidity management, and care coordination difficulties. Dietitians are integral within multicomponent dementia interventions, and optimized dietetic care models are needed.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Study overview and intervention design

Dietetics findings from composite case series

Common nutrition-related challenges

Implications and future work

Exploring the Role of a Dietitian in an Early Intervention Program for People With Dementia and Their Care Partners: A Composite Case Series Journal of Applied Gerontology 2026, Vol. 45(2) 237–248 © The Author(s) 2025 Article reuse guidelines: [sagepub.com/journals-permissions](sagepub.com/journals-permissions) [DOI: 10.1177/07334648251338302](DOI: 10.1177/07334648251338302)[ ](DOI: 10.1177/07334648251338302)[journals.sagepub.com/home/jag](journals.sagepub.com/home/jag) Caitlin Bull 1, Elizabeth Low 1,2, Helen Holloway2, Jane Kellett 1,2, Emilia Roberts 1, Georgina Chelberg2, Lara Wiseman2, Angela Chau2, Rachael Mitterfellner2,3, Stephen Isbel2 􀀁, Kasia Bail2, Diane Gibson2, and Nathan M D’Cunha 1,2 􀀁 Abstract Symptoms of dementia can impact the nutritional status and quality of life of people with dementia, but there is limited research exploring the dietitian’s role in post-diagnostic care. This study aims to explore the role of a dietitian in a multidisciplinary dementia program for people living in the community. Participants in a twelve-week multicomponent, multidisciplinary postdiagnostic intervention for people with dementia and care partners were offered three consultations with a dietitian to receive dietary assessment, education and advice. Key clinical ﬁndings from dietetics case notes of 40 people with dementia were analyzed using a composite case series approach. Of these, 39 required ongoing nutrition support and intervention. Common issues identiﬁed include insufﬁcient energy and/or nutrient intake, unintentional weight loss, poor management of comorbidities and difﬁculties with coordination of care. Dietitians are an integral part of a multicomponent intervention for dementia. Future work is needed to optimize dietetic care models. Running headline. Dietetics in an early intervention for dementia. Keywords dementia, dietitian, nutrition, carers, dyadic intervention, case series What this paper adds • This research provides insights into the role and impact of dietitians within a multidisciplinary early intervention program for people with dementia and their care partners through composite case studies. • Demonstrates common nutrition-related challenges faced by people with dementia and their care partners living in the community, including insufﬁcient energy intake, altered food preferences, and difﬁculties managing comorbidities. • Highlights unique nutritional support needs for different care partner dynamics (e.g., spouse [vs. adult-child](vs. adult-child) care partners) and the importance of tailored dietetic interventions and advice. Applications of study ﬁndings • Supports inclusion of dietitians as essential members of multidisciplinary dementia rehabilitation teams to address complex nutritional needs and maintenance of health. • Identiﬁes need for specialized training for dietitians and other healthcare professionals to optimize care for people with dementia and their care partners living in the community. • Informs development of dietetic care models and interventions that consider both the person with dementia and their care partner ’s needs to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of nutritional support. Manuscript received: December 3, 2024; ﬁnal revision received: April 2, 2025; accepted: April 10, 2025. 1 Discpline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia 2Centre for Ageing Research and Translation, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia 3Canberra Health Services, Bruce, ACT, Australia Corresponding Author: Nathan M D’Cunha, Discpline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, 11 Kirinari St, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia. Email: [nathan.dcunha@canberra.edu.au](nathan.dcunha@canberra.edu.au) Introduction Dementia is a group of neurodegenerative diseases that contribute to a decline in cognitive functions including memory, judgment, and problem-solving, and can i

FAQs

What role does the dietitian play in the postdiagnostic dementia program?

The program included three dietitian consultations that provided dietary assessment, education, and practical advice as part of a multidisciplinary intervention.

What nutrition-related problems were commonly identified in the case series?

Common issues included insufficient energy and/or nutrient intake, unintentional weight loss, difficulty managing comorbidities, and challenges coordinating care.

How many participants required ongoing nutrition support and intervention?

Among the 40 analyzed participants with dementia, 39 required ongoing nutrition support and intervention.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Bulrr