Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Intergenerational programs can reduce dementia stigma and build connections.
• Food-based activities offer unique social engagement opportunities.
• Few programs exist to connect persons with dementia (PWD) and young adults through food.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the feasibility, usability, and utility of a revised intergenerational cooking program model.
• To evaluate preliminary feasibility based on two program offerings.
• To inform future efficacy testing of the "Cooking Together" program.

Main Methods:

• Chef-facilitated, weekly 2-hour sessions with a brain-health focused menu.
• Recruitment of young adults and PWD through various community channels.
• Evaluation of feasibility via recruitment rates, attendance, and completion of pre/post measures.

Main Results:

• Ten young adults and nine PWD were recruited within two months for two offerings.
• Feasibility metrics included 8-10 eligible participants per offering, 70% attendance, and 85% completion of evaluations.
• Challenges included kitchen scheduling flexibility impacting recruitment timelines.

Conclusions:

• Preliminary results indicate the "Cooking Together" program is feasible and acceptable.
• Ongoing recruitment for a third offering is underway, with data collection concluding April 2025.
• Findings will guide future studies on the program's efficacy.