Improving Eating Behaviors in Dementia Using Behavioral Strategies

The purpose of this experimental pilot study was to determine the short- and long-term efficacy of directed verbal prompts and positive reinforcement on the level of eating independence (LEI) of elderly nursing home patients with dementia. Twenty-four subjects from a dementia unit were randomly selected and randomly assigned to three experimental groups and three control groups. The LEI scale was used to measure eating frequency and task performance at six consecutive meals during pretest and posttests, T2 and T3. During the treatment phase, which consisted of nine consecutive meals, prompts were administered to each experimental group and positive reinforcement was given when a subject completed eating tasks. Short-term effects were assessed on 2 consecutive days following treatment (T2) and long-term effects on 2 consecutive days, 7 days following treatment. Significant differences were found in eating performance but not infrequency. Experimental groups retained treatment at both posttests. The dementia diagnosis should not preclude the possibility that eating skills may be reacquired.