What color plates are best for dementia? A guide to improving mealtimes through visual contrast

Research has shown that people with advanced Alzheimer's disease consumed up to 25% more food when served on bright red plates. Understanding what color plates are best for dementia can be a simple, yet profoundly effective, strategy for improving nutrition and overall health by leveraging the power of visual contrast.

Quick Summary

Bright, contrasting colors like red are often recommended for people with dementia, as studies show they can significantly increase food and liquid intake by enhancing visual cues and helping distinguish food from the plate.

Key Points

• Enhance Visual Contrast: Serve food on brightly colored, solid plates to make meals easier to see and distinguish from the table, addressing common visual perception issues in dementia.

• Utilize the Red Plate Effect: Based on studies, bright red plates and cups can significantly increase food and liquid consumption in individuals with advanced dementia.

• Choose High-Contrast Colors: While red is effective, other dark, solid colors like blue or green can also provide strong contrast, especially for light-colored foods like mashed potatoes.

• Create a Calm Mealtime Environment: Minimize distractions by turning off TVs and using simple place settings to reduce confusion and anxiety during meals.

• Consider Adaptive Aids: Use adaptive utensils with large handles and simple, scoop-friendly dishes to help individuals with dexterity issues maintain their independence while eating.

• Address Underlying Issues: Remember that plate color is one of many strategies; also consider familiar foods, comfort, and potential swallowing difficulties to improve mealtime success.

Understanding the impact of dementia on visual perception

As dementia progresses, it affects more than just memory and cognitive function; it also impairs sensory processing, especially vision. One of the key challenges is a decline in visual and spatial abilities, making it difficult to distinguish objects from their background. For mealtimes, this can mean a person with dementia may not be able to differentiate between a light-colored meal and a white plate, or a white plate and a light tablecloth.

This loss of visual contrast can lead to a significant decrease in food consumption and hydration, contributing to unintentional weight loss and poor nutrition. The simple solution involves serving food on plates that provide a strong visual contrast, making the food and plate more prominent against the table. This helps the individual recognize the food as something to be eaten, encouraging them to consume more.

The “Red Plate Study” and its surprising findings

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence for the use of colored plates comes from a 2004 study conducted by researchers at Boston University. In this study, advanced Alzheimer’s patients were served meals on either standard white plates or bright red plates. The results were quite astonishing:

• Patients eating from red plates consumed 24.6% more food than those using white plates.
• They also increased their liquid intake by an impressive 83.7% when drinking from red cups compared to clear ones.

The research concluded that the vibrant red color was easier for the patients to perceive, which helped overcome their visual-cognitive deficits. This has led many long-term care facilities and home caregivers to adopt red tableware as a standard practice for enhancing mealtimes.

Other color options and considerations

While red is often highlighted, other colors that offer high contrast against the food and table can also be effective. The goal is to maximize the differentiation between the food, the plate, and the table surface. This is why many experts suggest bold, solid colors over patterns or shades that might blend in. For example, a dark blue or green plate could be very effective for serving a meal with light-colored components like mashed potatoes or chicken.

A comparison of common plate color options

Plate Color	Potential Benefits	Drawbacks to Consider
Bright Red	High visibility, proven effective in studies, stimulates appetite.	Can be too intense for some, may clash with certain food colors.
Dark Blue/Green	Excellent contrast for light-colored foods (e.g., pasta, rice), calming effect.	May not work well for darker foods (e.g., steak, dark vegetables).
Yellow	Bright and cheerful, can increase visibility.	May not provide strong enough contrast for certain dishes.
White	Traditional and clean aesthetic.	Creates a low-contrast environment, making food hard to see.

Creating a supportive and distraction-free mealtime environment

Choosing the right plate color is just one part of a holistic approach to improving mealtimes for someone with dementia. Caregivers should also focus on the overall dining experience to reduce confusion and anxiety. Here are some key strategies:

1. Reduce distractions: Turn off the television and radio, and ensure the dining area is calm and quiet. Noise and chaos can be overwhelming for individuals with dementia.
2. Use simple place settings: Avoid busy patterns on tablecloths and placemats. A solid, contrasting color is best to ensure the plate and utensils stand out.
3. Offer one or two items at a time: A plate piled high with different food items can be overwhelming. Presenting one food at a time, or using a plate with dividers, can simplify the decision-making process.
4. Adapt utensils: As dexterity declines, adaptive cutlery with larger, easier-to-grip handles can be beneficial. Consider using a spoon more often, as it is often easier to handle than a fork.
5. Serve familiar foods: Comfort foods and dishes the person has always enjoyed can encourage eating. Their sense of taste and smell may be altered, but familiar foods can evoke positive memories.
6. Ensure comfort: Check the person's posture and ensure they are sitting upright comfortably. This can make swallowing easier and safer. Also, be mindful of the food temperature.

Practical steps for caregivers

Incorporating these changes can be a gradual process. Start by introducing one new element at a time, such as a single brightly colored bowl. Observe your loved one's response and adjust accordingly. Remember that every individual is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Patience and observation are key.

For more detailed strategies on managing daily life with dementia, consider consulting resources from the Alzheimer's Association. They offer a wealth of information for caregivers navigating these challenges.

Conclusion: A simple change with significant benefits

Loss of appetite and weight can be a serious issue for individuals with dementia, but it is not an inevitable outcome. By addressing the underlying issues of visual perception, caregivers can make a significant positive impact. Using a simple, bright red or other high-contrast plate is a powerful tool to make food more visible and appealing. Combined with a calming mealtime environment and adaptive strategies, this simple change can help improve nutrition, health, and overall well-being, allowing your loved one to enjoy their meals and maintain their health for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people with dementia have trouble seeing their food?

As dementia progresses, it affects visual perception, including depth perception and the ability to distinguish contrast. This can make it hard to see light-colored food on a white or patterned plate.

Does the type of food matter when choosing a plate color?

Yes, it does. The ideal plate color should create a high contrast with the food. For example, a dark blue plate works well for serving light-colored foods like rice or mashed potatoes, while red can stand out against a wide variety of meals.

Are there any colors to avoid for plates?

It is best to avoid white or other light-colored plates that match typical tablecloths, as these can reduce contrast and make food less visible. Patterned plates can also be distracting and confusing.

What about the color of cups and other utensils?

The same principle applies to cups and utensils. Using brightly colored cups (like red or blue) can increase fluid intake, as it makes the beverage and cup easier to see. Large-handled, colorful utensils can also aid visibility and grip.

How can I introduce colored plates without causing upset?

Introduce new items gradually. Start with one brightly colored bowl or plate for a favorite snack. Present it in a positive, relaxed way, and be patient with the transition. The change should be made gently and without pressure.

What if my loved one refuses to use the new plates?

If there is resistance, don't force the issue immediately. Try another color, reintroduce it on a different day, or focus on other aspects of the mealtime environment first. You can also try a small bowl instead of a full plate to start.

Besides color, what other dining modifications can help dementia patients?

Other helpful modifications include using non-slip placemats, providing adaptive cutlery, serving food in bowls instead of plates, and offering soft, bite-sized finger foods that are easy to manage.