For people with dementia, eating and drinking is not always easy. Sometimes they resist food and drinks, which is challenging for both their loved ones and involved healthcare professionals. Further, this can have serious consequences, such as weight loss, dehydration, and even death. This thesis shows that this behavior is complex and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for these situations. The key lies in a personal approach: by focusing on the person’s needs during each meal and taking their background and values into account, the quality of life can be improved.
Eline van Buuren (1988) obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy from the HAN University of Applied Sciences, followed by a Master’s degree in Clinical Health Sciences from Utrecht University in 2019. In 2021, she began her PhD research at the Department of Primary and Community Care at Radboud university medical center. Currently, Eline works as a speech-language therapist and science practitioner at De Waalboog.