None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This pilot study aims to examine the efficacy of the Spaced Retrieval and Montessori-based activities (SPREMON) mealtime intervention on eating difficulties, mealtime engagement, and affect in individuals with dementia living in an Australian nursing home. A quasi-experimental design (single group) will be undertaken for the pilot study. The pilot study will recruit 35 individuals who are in the mild to moderate stage of dementia, have eating difficulties, and scored above 5 on the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Questionnaire. The intervention will consist of Spaced Retrieval and Montessori-based activities, 45 minutes per session, three times per week, for a total of 20 sessions over seven weeks. The outcomes will be measured three times: prior to first intervention session, immediately after completion of the intervention program and 3 months follow-up post-completion of the intervention program.
Interventions
The Spaced Retrieval and Montessori-based activities (SPREMON) mealtime intervention consists of two components: Spaced Retrieval and Montessori-based activities. Spaced Retrieval is designed to enhance the memory of eating procedures in individuals with dementia. The eating skill sets include eating with knife and fork as well as eating with spoon, total of 10 eating steps.. Examples of the eating procedures include step 1, realizing it is mealtime; step 2, picking up a knife and fork; step 3,
The Spaced Retrieval and Montessori-based activities (SPREMON) mealtime intervention consists of two components: Spaced Retrieval and Montessori-based activities. Spaced Retrieval is designed to enhance the memory of eating procedures in individuals with dementia. The eating skill sets include eating with knife and fork as well as eating with spoon, total of 10 eating steps.. Examples of the eating procedures include step 1, realizing it is mealtime; step 2, picking up a knife and fork; step 3, cutting the food into small bite-sized pieces; step 4, bringing the food to the mouth; step 5, chewing and swallowing; step 6, continuously eating the entire plate of food until feeling satisfied, and so on. The Montessori-based activities are designed to improve the motor skill of eating, include scooping, squeezing, pouring, cutting activities and small cooking activities for sensory stimulation. Each training session involves practicing one step of the eating procedure and engaging in one Montessori-based activity. The SPREMON mealtime intervention consists of sessions lasting approximately 45 minutes, occurring three times a week for seven weeks, totaling 20 training sessions. These sessions will be conducted in person within a small group, typically consisting of 5 to 8 participants. Training materials such as knives, forks, spoons, plates, water jars, and cups will be provided, along with seasonal fruits and vegetables for small cooking activities. The intervention will take place in the residents' activity room at a not-for-profit nursing home in the Wollongong area of NSW, Australia. To monitor participants' adherence to the intervention, their attendance rate, response to the Spaced Retrieval, and participation in Montessori-based activities will be recorded. To reduce information bias, the intervention will be led by a researcher experienced in geriatric care and facilitated by one nursing home staff member consistently follow the intervention steps and procedures. .
Sponsors
Warrigal nursing home
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
• The person has a formal diagnosis of dementia (in early or moderate stages, with a Mini-Mental State Examination score ranging from 10-23) • Any individual with a score > 5 as measured by the EdFed-Q (Chang, 2012) • Achieves a pass on the Spaced Retrieval Screening test • Has a safe swallowing ability as determined by a Speech Pathologist or Registered Nurse • Can eat orally and use a knife, fork and spoon • Able to sit in a chair for approximately 45 minutes, decided through consultation with staff
Exclusion criteria
• Individuals who cannot speak and understand English. • Individuals who are not culturally and physically suitable for eating with knife and fork as well as eating with spoon training. • A significant long-term mental health illness has been diagnosed.
Outcome results
None listed