PILOT NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR VETERANS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CAREGIVERS
2024

Nutrition Education Program for Veterans with Dementia

Sample size: 3 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Giffuni Jamie, Barton-Ort Kelly, Dennis Elizabeth, Addison Odessa

Primary Institution: Baltimore VA Medical Center

Hypothesis

Can a nutrition education program improve the health and wellbeing of Veterans living with dementia and their caregivers?

Conclusion

The pilot program showed feasibility in improving the health of Veterans with dementia and their caregivers.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants showed small positive trends in fruit and vegetable intake.
  • Caregiving burden scores decreased after the program.
  • Nutrition assessment scores improved for participants.

Takeaway

This study created a program to help Veterans with dementia and their caregivers learn about healthy eating and cooking, and it seemed to help them feel better.

Methodology

Participants attended weekly one-hour classes led by a registered dietitian for 4 weeks, covering various nutrition topics.

Limitations

The small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Veterans living with dementia and their caregivers.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2834

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication