Benefits of a Timed Snack Protocol for Geriatric Patients With Dementia and Dysphagia

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of snack recommendations in promoting weight gain among residents diagnosed with dysphagia and dementia (mild/moderate). A two-part comparison study was performed with residents for whom snack recommendations were made at the time of their dysphagia evaluations: The first part of this pilot study utilized a time-specific medication protocol enforced by interdisciplinary team members, while the second portion of the study intentionally followed no specific model beyond initial recommendation by the speech-language pathologist (SLP). All subjects were residents at a long-term care facility. Initial dysphagia evaluations were conducted because of weight loss. The pilot data support the following conclusions: An interdisciplinary team must ensure complete follow-through of recommendations. In approaching the concept of snacks as “medication,” intake can be prescribed by medical personnel to ensure delivery as well as to encourage the resident who refuses meals. Hand-held snacks of the resident's preference remain a condition of the “medication.” Medical and nursing staff must be educated regarding nutritional benefits. While self-feeding as an aspect of ADL independence represents an ideal scenario, creative methods must be explored to encourage food intake. A need exists for future research to determine appropriate intervention measures that will provide assessment of measurable outcomes regarding improvement in self-feeding ability.