The Alzheimer's Disease Society has claimed that up to 500,000 people in the UK with dementia may be at risk of malnutrition. A survey of carers found four out of five thought dementia sufferers had problems with overeating, undereating, dehydration or using out-of-date or unsafe food. More than 50 per cent were concerned about the quality and quantity of food received by their relatives in hospital, while 75 per cent complained that meals on wheels services did not check that delivered food was eaten. Chief executive Harry Cayton said people with dementia could forget how to shop, cook and even eat, and healthcare services had to ensure their basic nutritional needs were met.

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