Content, Quality and Accuracy of Online Nutrition Resources for the Prevention and Treatment of Dementia: A Review of Online Content

Abstract

(1) Background: The internet is a popular information source; however, research evaluating online nutrition-related dementia information is limited. This review characterised content, quality, and accuracy of online dementia-specific nutrition resources for dementia prevention and treatment. (2) Methods: JBI methodology for scoping reviews guided the study. Searches used Google search engine with terms related to dementia and nutrition. Webpages from government, organisational and commercial sources were included; blogs, social media and media sources were excluded. DISCERN tool evaluated content quality; accuracy was assessed against ESPEN and WHO guidelines. Differences in mean DISCERN scores were calculated using ANOVA. (3) Results: 105 webpages from eight countries were included. Webpages were mainly from organisational sources (n = 65) and covered nutrition-related prevention (n = 52) including diet–disease relationships (n = 81). Fewer webpages provided information on dementia related eating issues. The total mean DISCERN score (SD) was 50 ± 8, indicating overall good quality. All government webpages provided accurate information. Commercial webpages had some inaccuracy (ESPEN: 3% mixed, 3% inaccurate; WHO: 3% mixed, 3% inaccurate). (4) Conclusions: Information was of reasonable quality and mostly accurate. Further information on dementia-related eating issues is needed. Future research could address readability, understandability and actionability and examine other sources, such as social media, blogs or forums.