The effects of menu modification to increase dietary intake and maintain the weight of Alzheimer residents

Abstract

Adaptive feeding techniques have been suggested as a method to promotefeeding independence in AD residents. The use of foods which patients can pick up with their fingers triggers resident 's attention producing increased involvement with the meal and increased resident consumption.The menu at an all-A lzheimer 's carefacility was modified to include more finger foods. Before the menu changes, the average number offingerfoods used at each meal was: breakfast 2.57, lunch 2. 19, and dinner 2.00. Menu changes increased finger foods to the following levels: breakfast 2.71, lunch 2.38, and dinner 3.80. The weight profiles and consumption patterns of 54 AD residents were determined through a chart review of two six month periods, before and after the menu change. During this period of time, the weights of the residents receiving finger foods did not significantly increase, but the usual weight loss seen in AD residents did not occur Food consumption patterns significantly increased (p=.05)for both male and female residents. Results indicate the inclusion of finger foods is an appropriate feeding method for AD residents.