Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Assessment of Social Transmission of Food Preferences Behaviors
Published on: January 25, 2018
Sharing meals with institutionalized people with dementia: a natural experiment
Kevin Charras1, Michèle Frémontier
1Fondation Médéric Alzheimer, Paris, France. charras@med-alz.org
Abstract:
Nutritional deficiency can have dramatic effects on the physical and psychological status of older adults. Although food supplements can enhance nutritional status, several authors suggest that more ecological means could also have beneficial impacts. Therefore, a natural experiment was conducted to study the impact of changed mealtime experiences for people with Alzheimer-type dementia. Two special care units (in separate facilities) in France were included in this study: one implemented shared meal times between residents and caregivers and the other served as a comparison group. Weight was measured and staff observations were collected. Positive outcomes were observed for the experimental group. Implications for practice are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
Naturalistic Observations
Development of Human Microbiota
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment