RELATIONS BETWEEN PROTEIN-CALORIE MALNUTRITION AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Protein-calorie malnutrition is generally considered as a natural cons equence of dementia. This paper analyzes the prevalence data of this c ondition in demented patients and some of the most important factors w hich are considered to predispose to the increased occurrence of a bad nutritional status. Despite all the analyzed factors, dementia is not necessarily associated with malnutrition and all caregivers (geriatri cians, dieticians, nurses) may contribute to maintain the demented pat ients in a ''nutritionally healthy'' state.