Meeting the nutritional needs of patients with dementia in hospital.

This is the third article in a series of five focusing on the needs of patients with dementia. It emphasises the importance of good nutritional intake for patients with dementia in hospital care. On busy wards, nutrition is often overlooked in favour of other aspects of care. Nurses' increased knowledge about dementia, assessment of nutritional needs, and personal capabilities can improve patients' experiences and outcomes. Excess dependency and emotional aspects of food refusal are also discussed.