Researchers tested a new program called SPREMON that combines memory exercises with hands-on activities to help people with dementia in nursing homes eat more independently and enjoy mealtimes better. The program involved 20 short sessions over 7 weeks. While only 8 people completed the full program, those who did showed improvements in how much they engaged during meals, their mood, and how much they drank. The study suggests this approach could be helpful, though larger studies are needed to confirm the benefits and understand who benefits most.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a special activity program combining memory games and hands-on learning could help people with dementia eat better and feel happier during meals
  • Who participated: 20 people with dementia living in nursing homes; 8 completed the full program. Those who finished had fewer health problems and took fewer medications than those who dropped out
  • Key finding: People who completed the program showed significant improvements in how engaged they were during meals, their mood, and how much they drank. Eating difficulties also improved, though the improvement wasn’t quite large enough to be statistically certain
  • What it means for you: This approach may help people with dementia enjoy meals more and eat better, but more research is needed to be sure. If you care for someone with dementia, this could be worth discussing with their healthcare team

The Research Details

This was a pilot study, which means it was a small test run to see if an idea might work before doing a bigger study. Researchers created a program called SPREMON that combines two approaches: spaced retrieval (a memory technique that repeats information over time) and Montessori-based activities (hands-on learning activities). The program included 20 sessions spread over 7 weeks. Researchers measured how well people could eat on their own, how engaged they were during meals, their mood, and their nutrition using three different assessment tools. They collected information at the start, right after the program ended, and again 3 months later.

This research approach is important because it tests a real-world program in actual nursing homes with real people, not just in a lab. By measuring multiple things (eating ability, mood, nutrition, and engagement), researchers can see if the program helps in different ways. The 3-month follow-up is especially valuable because it shows whether benefits last after the program ends

This is a pilot study, which means it’s designed to test whether an idea is worth studying more carefully, not to prove something works. The small number of people who completed it (8 out of 20) is a limitation. However, the study was well-designed with clear measurements and included follow-up data. The researchers also worked with nursing home staff and people with dementia to design the program, which makes it more practical and realistic

What the Results Show

The most important finding was that people who completed the program showed significant improvements in two areas: they were more engaged and had better moods during mealtimes, and they drank more. These changes happened between the start and end of the program. Eating difficulties also improved in the group that completed the program, showing a positive trend, though the improvement wasn’t quite large enough to be completely certain it wasn’t due to chance. The program appears to have made mealtimes more enjoyable and interactive for participants.

Nutritional status scores (measurements of whether people are getting enough nutrition) showed positive trends in the completed group, meaning they appeared to be getting better nutrition, though this improvement also wasn’t statistically certain. The study also found that people who completed the program had fewer health conditions and took fewer medications at the start compared to those who dropped out, which may have made it easier for them to benefit from the program

This study builds on existing research showing that memory techniques and hands-on activities can help people with dementia. By combining these two approaches specifically for mealtimes, the researchers created something new. The positive results align with other studies suggesting that engaging activities and memory support can improve quality of life for people with dementia, though this is one of the first studies to focus specifically on mealtimes

The biggest limitation is that only 8 out of 20 people completed the program, which makes it harder to draw strong conclusions. The people who finished were healthier at the start than those who dropped out, which might mean the results don’t apply to everyone with dementia. The study was small and didn’t have a comparison group (people who didn’t get the program), so we can’t be completely sure the improvements came from SPREMON and not from other factors. More research with larger groups is needed

The Bottom Line

Based on this pilot study, SPREMON shows promise as a potential tool to improve mealtimes for people with dementia in nursing homes. However, confidence in these recommendations is moderate because this is a small pilot study. Healthcare providers might consider discussing this approach with nursing home staff, but larger studies are needed before making it standard practice. This should not replace other dementia care approaches but could be used alongside them

This research is most relevant to nursing home staff, family members of people with dementia, and healthcare providers working with dementia patients. It may be especially helpful for people with dementia who struggle with eating independence or seem disengaged during meals. People with early-stage dementia or those living at home might also benefit, though this study only tested it in nursing homes. This is less relevant to people without dementia or those with other types of cognitive conditions

Based on this study, improvements in engagement and mood appeared within the 7-week program period. However, we don’t know yet how long benefits last or whether they continue to improve over time. The 3-month follow-up showed that improvements were maintained, but longer-term effects are unknown. Realistic expectations would be to see changes within a few weeks, but individual results may vary

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track mealtime engagement and mood daily using a simple 1-10 scale. Also monitor fluid intake (cups of water or other drinks consumed) and note any changes in eating independence, such as whether the person needs less help with utensils or feeding themselves
  • If using an app to support someone with dementia, implement daily memory exercises before meals (repeating key information about eating), set reminders for structured mealtimes, and log mood and engagement observations. Use the app to share progress with caregivers and healthcare providers
  • Create a weekly summary of mealtime observations including engagement level, mood, amount eaten and drunk, and any eating difficulties. Compare weekly trends over the 7-week program period and continue monitoring at 3 months to see if improvements last. Share this data with the care team to adjust the program if needed

This research is a pilot study with a small number of participants and should not be considered definitive proof that SPREMON works for all people with dementia. Results are promising but need confirmation through larger studies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Anyone considering this intervention should consult with their healthcare provider, geriatrician, or dementia care specialist. Individual results may vary, and this approach may not be suitable for everyone with dementia. Always work with qualified healthcare professionals when making decisions about dementia care