Review of an Alzheimer's Study--the Attractiveness of Finger Foods

A Review of "Attractiveness and consumption of finger foods in elderly Alzheimer’s disease patients"

Pouyet, Giboreau, Benattar & Cuvelier (2014) conducted a study to analyze the attractiveness of finger foods to people with Alzheimer’s disease.

As previously stated, Alzheimer’s disease is a cognitive impairment and often, daily functions become difficult or impossible for patients. This includes eating, especially with utensils. The researchers state that after diagnosis, some people develop eating disorders due to their inability to eat and enjoy food like they once used to (Pirlich & Lochs 2001). Aselage & Amella (2010) state that people with Alzheimer’s disease “lose their relationship with food” because they are unable to feed themselves with the proper utensils and or make choices about foods that they do or do not enjoy.

Because some Alzheimer’s patients cannot use utensils, finger foods were the main focus of the study. There were 3 criteria for the finger foods; sauce or no sauce, one or two layers or square shaped vs. moulded. Participants were presented with different food plates and their choices and order of consumption were observed and recorded. On average, participants ate 80% of food offered to them. The study’s results provides insight that Alzheimer’s patients are able to make food choices when presented with food in a way that is accessible to them.

(Image from  NeurologicalDisorders.org)

While this study did not actually test for the effects of finger foods rather than foods requiring utensils, I think this is something that should be experimented in the future. I think it would be interesting to measure self-satisfaction among Alzheimer’s patients once given finger foods on a daily basis. From my researching and findings on the topic, I would assume that Alzheimer’s patients would be more satisfied and happy if they were given finger foods because it allows them to feed themselves. I would assume that being able to feed themselves would serve as feelings of accomplishment and control over one’s life. This would be a great future direction to move towards because this could ultimately make Alzheimer’s patients happier even if the disease cannot be cured.

Image from HealthyFoods

ReferencesAselage, M. B., & Amella, E. J. (2010). An evolutionary analysis of mealtime difficulties in older adults with dementia. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 19(1–2), 33–41.
Pirlich, M., & Lochs, H. (2001). Nutrition in the elderly. Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology, 15(6), 869–884.
Pouyet, V. V., Giboreau, A. A., Benattar, L. L., & Cuvelier, G. G. (2014). Attractiveness and consumption of finger foods in elderly Alzheimer's disease patients. Food Quality And Preference, 3462-69. doi:10.1016/j.foodqual.2013.12.011