Red, White or Blue Tableware???

Studies have shown that Alzheimer patients increase food intake by 24% and liquid by 84% due to good color contrasts between their foods and tableware. Red or dark blue seem to work the best. The ability to distinguish contrast between colors is sometimes lessened in people with AD. Using tableware that offers a high contrast to the food and drink will make mealtimes go more smoothly and increase food and liquid intake. Visual impairment certainly plays a role in nutrition. Colorful table settings will make for an easier mealtime.

• set just one utensil, one plate and one cup
• avoid white place settings
  
• limit the number of foods served
  
• try a place mat or tray to define space
  
• cut up foods into bite size pieces - finger foods are good
• keep your dining table well lit
• reduce noise in the room
  
• limit conversation
• avoid extreme food temperatures - very hot or very cold
• allow plenty of uninterrupted time
• give limited verbal instructions and use physical cues
• eat together and enjoy each others company ~~~ Bon Appetit !
  

Visual contrast enhances food and liquid intake in advanced Alzheimer"s disease
Clinical Nutrition, Volume 23, Issue 4, Pages 533-538
T.Dunne, S.Neargarder, P.Cipolloni, A.Cronin-Golomb

Wednesday Burger Night for Two

Gordon still enjoys mealtimes and so I like to put out some degree of effort to make them special.

Take some 85% ground beef, season with salt and pepper and Worcestershire sauce and gently form 2 thick patties. Now take 2 chunks of a good blue cheese and bury them in the middle of the burgers. Fry them up to your desired doneness.

We served them with shredded Romaine lettuce, poppy seed dressing, and blue cheese chunks and macaroni salad from the deli. Added a side dish of maple baked beans. Beverage was a glass of red wine and for dessert – German chocolate cup cakes with vanilla frosting.

It was a delicious, quick and easy meal for two.