There is moderate evidence that education and training programmes
reduce feeding difficulty and increase eating time. These programmes
have mainly targeted professional carers in hospitals or care homes,
but may also help family carers. The quality of the relationship
between the carer and the person with dementia is important.
Aversive feeding behaviours may be more likely to develop when the
carer is strained. Conversely, better interaction between the nurse
providing assistance and the patient with dementia is associated with
a better dietary intake13.