Carer experience of appetite changes in people with dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Carer experience of appetite changes in people with dementia living at home
IRAS ID
239827
Contact name
Emily Walters
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 13 days
Research summary
Aim: This study explores how carers manage and respond to appetite changes in people with dementia living at home and the type of support they would find useful.
Why are we doing this study?
Appetite changes in people with a dementia can sometimes cause stress and anxiety for carers. Support for carers can be improved if there is better understanding of their experience and needs. Not everyone with a dementia will have a change in appetite. However, studies have shown that these often occur, particularly as the dementia progresses. Some people eat less food than normal, others more and rarely some try to consume non-food items. Symptoms can include not finishing meals, changes in food choices, eating at different times, looking for food, feeling more hungry than usual or changes in weight.
What does the study involve?
The study has two parts. The first part involves the researcher asking the participant questions about their experience of being carer of a person with dementia, focusing on mealtimes, eating, appetite and support. This is recorded (audio) with the participant's permission and is likely to take between 1-2 hours. The researcher will then use this information to help them develop a resource or intervention to support carers in managing appetite changes. Participants will be asked if they would like to take part in the second part of the study. This will involve joining a small group of carers and sharing their thoughts and ideas about the resource or intervention being developed. The participants will be asked to attend two group meetings.
Can I take part?
To take part you need to be or have been a carer of someone with dementia living at home for at least 6-months. You need to be aged 18 years or older, able to understand and speak English and give consent.REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SC/0213
Date of REC Opinion
1 May 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion