“Tasting Spoon”: A Revolutionary Innovation That Restores the Joy of Tasting Food to Dementia Patients

People with dementia have problems eating and drinking, due to symptoms such as memory loss, inability to recognize food, and decreased sense of smell and taste, which can lead to weight loss and muscle strength loss.

In this regard, the team of Dr. Christian Morgen, from the University of Sheffield’s School of Management and the Institute for Healthy Ageing, has created a device called the “Tasty Spoon,” which uses electrical stimulation to enhance the flavor of foods in patients who suffer from loss of the sense of taste.

The “rechargeable” spoon could help users distinguish between types of food, according to the research team.

“Loss of taste can lead to a loss of enjoyment of eating, which can impact a patient’s well-being,” Morgen said. “This is particularly common among patients who live alone or in public care homes.”

The Tasty Spoon project has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Society’s Accelerator programme, which supports the launch of new products to the market that help dementia patients.

Simon Lord, Head of Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “A healthy, balanced diet can help improve a person’s quality of life. However, common symptoms of dementia, such as memory loss and difficulties with thinking and problem solving, can make it difficult to eat and drink well. That’s why we’re excited about the potential that Tasty Spoon has to improve the taste and enjoyment of food, and therefore the health and nutrition of people with dementia.”

Source: Independent