| Theme | Points of dietary therapy for national registered dietitian to establish clinical guideline for nutrition in dialysis patients | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Nutritional education for dialysis patients with low visual acuity | |
| Publish Date | 2012/11 | |
| Author | Megumi Kobayashi | Division of Nutrition, Saitama Tsukinomori Clinic |
| Author | Satoshi Kurihara | Division of Nephrology, Saitama Tsukinomori Clinic |
| [ Summary ] | The number of dialysis patients with low visual acuity is becoming more prevalent in Japan in association with the rising incidence of diabetes and the proportional increase in the percentage of elderly in the national population. Nutritional education for diabetic patients is very important not only in the pre-dialysis stage but also after dialysis begins. Patients should also be physically assessed to determine optimal exercise regimens in terms of the type and quantity of exercise. However, dietitians who seek to educate patients with visual disturbances may encounter extreme difficulties in doing so. To succeed they must create new ideas, solutions, and learning devices. In this study we present cases of two brothers with low levels of vision, who have received daily care from their mother. We discus procedures for education on nutrition and how to carry out these procedures. The first case concerns a 45-year-old male who has been receiving hemodialysis (HD) for 8 years. The second case concerns his 54-yearold older brother, who has been receiving HD for 1 year. Both patients are currently exhibiting good results from their blood examinations. Their weight gain during dialysis therapy has been satisfactory, largely thanks to their mother's devoted daily support and the recommendations of their dietitian. In coming years these brothers may face growing difficulties in their daily lives as their mother's advancing age may hinder her abilities as a caregiver. |
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