Resumo

TREJO CONTRERAS, Aracelí. Alzheimer disease and nutrition. Arch. Neurocien. (Mex., D.F.) [online]. 2004, vol.9, n.3, pp.151-158. ISSN 1028-5938.

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a degenerative illness of the central nervous system, characterized by memory loss and cognitive dysfunction. A high risk for developing energetic protein malnutrition has been identified in AD patients, which is associated with morbidity and mortality increments. The nutritional status of AD patients is affected by their lack of independency, orientation difficulties, eating behavior disturbance and frequent ambulatory activity, among other problems related with this disease. As a consequence, these patients experience weight loss, which increases according to the severity and progression of the disease, even though energy intake is higher in AD patients as compared with non-demented subjects. In addition, body mass index and body fat percent have been found lower in AD patients than in control healthy subjects, and some studies have also reported decreased levels of B ₁₂ vitamin, thiamine, folate and albumin. Is extremely important to asses periodically the nutritional status of AD patients, in order to maintain adequate energy and nutriments supply, which will be reflected in an acceptable nutritional status.

Palavras-chave : Alzheimer disease; nutrition; weight loss.