Nutrition in Alzheimer's disease

Deterioration of memory function and ultimately establishment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) severely debilitates the affected individual, uncompromisingly decreasing the quality of life of both patients and their caregivers. The global prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia including Alzheimer's disease is expected to rise significantly in proportion to increased life expectancy. Weight loss is a common problem among patients with AD and is associated with mortality, morbidity, disease progression, and poor quality of life. The aim of this article is: (I) to emphasize the importance of malnutrition in Alzheimer's disease and (2) to review published evidences for the role of nutrition as a risk factor of the disease. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.