11. Mealtime Environment Matters in Dementia: More Than Just Aesthetics
A factor that is often underestimated when considering dementia eating issues is the mealtime environment. The setting where meals are eaten can significantly impact an individual’s eating habits. It’s not just about aesthetics; a calm, quiet, and familiar environment can make mealtimes less confusing and more enjoyable for dementia patients, encouraging better food intake.
The brain processes a lot of information during meals. From the color of the food on the plate to the background noise, these factors can either enhance or detract from the dining experience.
For dementia patients, an environment with too much stimuli can cause confusion and distract from the task at hand – eating. On the other hand, an appealing, tranquil setting can promote relaxation and focus, enhancing the pleasure of eating and making mealtime a positive experience.
There are many ways to create a dementia-friendly dining environment. Using contrast-colored plates can make it easier for the individual to distinguish food from the plate, enhancing their ability to eat independently. (11)
