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A Tableware Set, ‘Eatwell’, Making the Eating Process Simple
What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?
The terms ‘Alzheimer’s disease’ and ‘dementia’ are often confused, as many people believe that they have the same meaning. However, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are not interchangeable. Dementia is a broad term for symptoms consisting of impaired thinking and memory. Whereas, according to the Center for Disease Control, Alzheimer’s disease is a common cause of dementia causing as many as 50 to 70% of all dementia cases. Alzheimer’s is a very specific form of dementia. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include impairments in thinking, expressive speech, and confusion. Therefore when a person is diagnosed with dementia, they are being diagnosed with a set of symptoms. At this time, Alzheimer’s is degenerative and is not curable, whereas dementia can be reversible or temporary in nature. (Alzheimers.net, 2015)
What is Eatwell?
Eatwell is a tableware set designed for people with dementia and other impairments. A Boston University study revealed that Dementia patients eat 24% more food and drink 84% more liquid when served with brightly colors tableware. With that being said, a San Francisco based industrial designer, Sha Yao created Eatwell to make process of eating much simpler. According to Sha Yao, Eatwell will help to increase the individual’s intake of food, allow the individual to maintain dignity, and alleviate caring burdens. Eatwell can especially benefit adults with cognitive impairments, small children, or caregivers of those with special needs.
Features of Eatwell include:
- Bright colored tableware to stimulate interest
- Slanted bowls that allow food to collect on one side
- Spoons to match the curvature of the bowl
- Bowls that contain right angled sides; preventing accidental spills
- Two types of cups: One with a rubber base to prevent it from tipping over, and another with a handle that extends to the table for additional support.
- Cup handles are designed to help individuals with arthritis
- Bottoms of all tableware include anti-slippage grip
- The tray has an area to place a bib to trap food
For further information check out the Eatwell video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhIQRl2D9c0#action=share
Pamela Leibowitz MA CF-SLP TSSLD
