Enhancing Health and Quality of Life for Individuals With Dementia Through Transitional-State Snacks

Enhancing Health and Quality of Life for Individuals With Dementia Through Transitional-State Snacks

Malnutrition significantly contributes to the disability and mortality associated with Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias. Thus, nutritional status is one important, modifiable clinical factor for maintaining physical and cognitive health among persons with dementia (PWD). This project will pilot an innovative approach to enhancing nutrition through the use of transitional-state snack supplements, or foods that start as one texture and change to another.

Specifically, this study aims to demonstrate the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a transitional-state therapeutic nutrition supplement among adults with dementia. The central hypothesis is that access to ready-made, savory, nutrient- dense snack supplements that resemble "typical" preferred foods and eating habits will result in improved nutritional intake and status among PWD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Medically stable
• Community dwelling
• Has a medical diagnosis of dementia or possible dementia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Does not live at home
• Cannot participate in the protocol independently and do not have a consistent caregiver who can provide assistance
• Does not have smartphone access
• Requires 100% feeding assistance
• Is NPO (nil per os)
• Has multiple food allergies
• Requires a strict renal, low-fat, and/or no-salt diet
• Is deemed unsafe for the transitional-state foods by a speech-language pathologist