Screening Parameters of Dementia

• Body weight assessmen

BMI < 22
Serum albumin < 3.5 g/dl
(often reduced by concurrent illness)

• Dietary intake of calories, protein, vitamins/mineralsFunctional status - Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)*
• Alcohol intake
• Cognitive, functional and behavioral assessment
• Ability to access/choose/prepare foods and need for feeding assistance
• Presence/absence of dysphagia or aspiration
• Use of vitamins/minerals and complementary/alternative therapies
• Depression

Note: Weight loss is a common early symptom of dementia and is frequently unrecognized in frail patients.