Mealtime Behaviors and Food Intake in Older Adults with Dementia

Sample size: 12 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Liu Wen, Lee Kyuri, Suh Heather

Primary Institution: University of Iowa

The study examines the associations between staff mealtime care and resident mealtime behaviors and food intake.

Minimizing task-centered care may help improve mealtime challenging behaviors and enhance food intake in residents with dementia.

Staff mealtime care approaches were mostly person-centered, focusing on modifications of resident abilities.
Resistive behaviors were linked to fewer modifications of resident abilities and more task-centered care.
Functional impairments were associated with more modifications of resident abilities and task-centered care.
Chewing/swallowing difficulties correlated with more modifications of resident abilities.
Positive behaviors were associated with fewer modifications of resident abilities and more modifications of the dining environment.
Food intake was positively associated with more modifications of resident abilities.

This study looked at how caregivers can help older adults with dementia eat better by changing how they assist them during meals.

The study analyzed 197 full-meal videos to assess staff care approaches and resident behaviors.

47 staff members (92.3% female, 80.8% white) and 12 residents (91.7% male, 91.7% white) with moderately-severe to severe dementia.

p=.009

p<0.05

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