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    2023 Advancing Research on Care and Outcome Measurements (ARCOM)

    Optimizing Mealtime Care and Outcome Measures for Residents with ADRD

    Can measuring the quality of mealtime activities improve the health and well-being of individuals living with dementia?

    Wen Liu, Ph.D., RN
    University of Iowa
    Iowa City, IA - United States



    Background

    Mealtime is a fundamental activity of daily life that supports one’s overall health and brain function and provides an opportunity to socialize. Studies have shown that the behavioral and psychological symptoms often associated with Alzheimer’s and other dementia can make mealtime activities challenging. Supporting mealtime activities could be key to improving well-being and quality of life for individuals living with dementia. However, there are currently no tools available to measure the quality and impact of mealtime in dementia care.

    Research Plan

    Dr. Wen Liu and colleagues will develop a measurement tool to assess the impact of mealtime activities on the well-being of individuals living with dementia. This will include both measurements for the individual living with  dementia as well as their caregivers or long-term care staff. This tool will cover topics such as engagement, behavior, independence with eating, and food intake. Once the tool is developed, they will then test the reliability and accuracy of the assessment tool  with long-term care staff and individuals living with dementia.

    Impact

    This project could shed new light on how the quality of mealtime impacts the health and well-being of individuals living with dementia. It could also yield a novel tool for improving dementia care. 

    The ARCOM Grant Program was developed jointly with Leveraging an Interdisciplinary Consortium to Improve Care and Outcomes for Persons Living With Alzheimer’s and Dementia (LINC-AD).

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