Deterioro cognitivo / demencia

Why / when / how

Nutritional intervention has not shown an effect of its own on global cognition nor on the onset of Alzheimer's disease, and its indication in cognitive decline and dementia rests above all on its cardiometabolic co-benefits. The certainty of the evidence in the critical outcomes is very low. This is why the recommendation is conditional in favor, because the balance between benefits and harms is favorable, although with lower certainty.

Cautions

Before indicating nutritional changes, assess the patient's nutritional status, comorbidities, and treatments, and individualize the intervention according to their clinical condition. Carry out a screening for eating disorders and consider the possible interactions between food and the medications in use. Advise seeking professional assessment if any of these warning signs appear: involuntary weight loss, persistent digestive symptoms, decompensation of an underlying disease; and refer to a nutrition professional; where more appropriate, to the corresponding specialist when the situation requires it. Reassess the response and the tolerance periodically.

Quantitative evidence