Acceptability and feasibility of precision nutrition in dementia: A qualitative exploration of the perspectives of people with dementia and care partners
Tara Jewell

Date and Time

Thursday, November 12, 2026, 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM

Theme / Track

Climate, our environment and nutrition

Presentation Format

Concurrent

Aims: Precision nutrition, defined as aligning dietary strategies to a person’s genetic and metabolic profile through nutrigenomics, represents a potential approach to delaying dementia onset and progression. This exploratory qualitative study aimed to examine the acceptability and feasibility of precision nutrition within dementia care. Method: A convenience sample of people with dementia and their care partners were recruited from community and care-based organisations across Australia. Semi-structured interviews of up to 90 minutes were conducted and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify themes related to acceptability and feasibility. Results: Participants valued the concept of precision nutrition and expressed interest in learning more. Notably, and contrary to findings in other studies, participants raised no ethical or legal concerns regarding the use of genomic data in healthcare settings. Credibility was identified as paramount, with participants preferring that genetic risk and dietary information be delivered by trusted medical professionals, including geriatricians, dietitians, and General Practitioners. Practical, tailored resources, such as adapted recipes targeting metabolic pathways identified as at risk, were valued as tools to support home-based precision nutrition while minimising overwhelm for care partners. Participants also highlighted that dementia stage and existing comorbidities meaningfully influence precision nutrition uptake, given the ongoing nature of monitoring and adjusting dietary intake over time. Conclusion: For precision nutrition to be acceptable and feasible for people with dementia and care partners, user-friendly resources to assist with the understanding of nutrigenomics are needed. Resources can empower dyads without increasing care-related challenges.

Keywords

Dementia, Diet / Nutrition, Disease, Health Management

Authors

Nathan D'Cunha, University of Canberra
Michelle Minehan, University of Canberra
Ben Rattray, University of Canberra