Rethinking the Dining Environment: Optimizing Outcomes for Residents with Dementia

Dining is a multi-sensory experience, one which those living with dementia may not be fully experiencing. Lower intakes at meal times may lead to a myriad of health complications and co-morbidities among those living with dementia. However, newly developed programming addressing the multi-sensory nature of eating and the dining environment may enhance mealtimes for those with dementia. This session will focus on nutrition issues specific to dementia, including nutrients and food components to support cognitive health, issues with dining for those with dementia, and evidence-based sensory techniques for enhancing wellness at meal times.