Plain language nutrition information for adults with cerebral palsy aged 18–55+ years
Good nutrition is important for adults with cerebral palsy (CP). It can support your health and energy, help keep your muscles and bones healthy, and support recovery from illness or surgery.
Get support with eating, drinking or swallowing
Some adults with CP may find eating, drinking or swallowing difficult. This can make it harder to get enough nutrition and fluids. It can also affect how safely and effectively you eat and drink.
Swallowing difficulties can increase the risk of food, drink or saliva to enter the airway or lungs. This is called aspiration. Aspiration can contribute to chest infections.
Understand what can affect your nutrition
There are many reasons why it may be harder to get the nutrition you need. You may:
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have difficulty chewing or swallowing
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take a long time to eat or become tired during meals
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need help to eat or drink
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have reflux or constipation
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have a reduced appetite
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have frequent illnesses or hospital stays
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need food or drinks with a different texture or thickness
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experience changes in mobility, activity or health
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find it difficult to prepare food or access meals independently.
Find the right nutrition and feeding support
A feeding and swallowing assessment can help identify any difficulties and work out what support you may need.
Your healthcare team may include a:
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dietitian
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speech pathologist
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occupational therapist
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physiotherapist
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GP
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other medical or health professional.
Your healthcare team can also monitor changes in your weight, nutrition and health over time.
Depending on your needs, support may include:
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changing mealtime routines or positioning
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making sure you get enough energy, nutrients and fluids
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changing the texture of food or thickness of drinks, if recommended after an assessment
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managing reflux, constipation or other digestive problems
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using nutritional supplements, if needed
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using specialised eating or drinking equipment
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getting support with shopping, preparing food or eating meals
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tube feeding, if needed.
Review your nutrition needs as you get older
Your nutrition needs may change over time. Changes in activity, mobility, medicines, health conditions, appetite or changes in your body can affect how much energy and nutrition you need.
Bone health is also important for many adults with CP. Your healthcare team may talk with you about calcium, vitamin D and other parts of nutrition if they are relevant to you.
Make nutrition work with your lifestyle
Work, study, where you live and social activities can affect when, where and how you eat and drink.
Regular reviews can help make sure your nutrition and feeding support continues to meet your health needs, preferences and lifestyle.
When to talk to your healthcare team
If you are concerned about your nutrition, weight, eating, drinking or swallowing, talk to your GP or healthcare team.
