How people with stroke and healthy older people experience the eating process

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the process of eating, experiences of eating and oral functions. Participants consisted of 30 people with first stroke and localization of the damage verified by computer topography (CT), and 15 healthy older people. All were observed during test-meals, interviewed about eating, and oral functions were tested. The results demonstrated that most (21) people with stroke had some difficulties in eating and expressed feelings of fear and shame about eating and changed physical and social appearance, mainly related to difficulties in preparing and transporting food to the mouth as well as swallowing deficits.

Eating Difficulties, Nutrition, Meal Preferences and Experiences Among Elderly A Literature Overview From a Scandinavian Context

“…Being independent and being able to eat and cook for yourself, are strongly associated with well-being and increased self-esteem (Gustafsson et al, 2003;Fjellström, 2009). Hope of recovery is often associated with the ability to eat independently (Jacobsson et al, 2000). In the Norwegian study, health and "being able to" were clearly linked to each other (Berg et al, 2006).…”

“…Diseases such as Parkinson's disease, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis are often associated with eating difficulties (Jacobsson et al, 2000;Lorefält, Ganowiak, et al, 2006). Symptoms that affect nutrient intake and nutritional uptake in people with Parkinson's disease include stiffness, tremors, slow body movements, swallowing difficulties, and decreased motility of the gastrointestinal tract.…”

“…However, being elderly and having eating difficulties may change the value and meaning of the meal as a social event. People with eating difficulties often experience feelings of guilt, shame and disappointments (Jacobsson et al, 2000;Carlsson, Ehrenberg, & Ehnfors, 2004;Fjellström, 2009; eating difficulties described feelings of anxiety and panic during meals and avoided eating with others. Problems with slow eating speed as a result of eating difficulties are also described (Andersson & Sidenvall, 2001;Gustafsson et al, 2003;.…”

“…To avoid this, smaller portions were an alternative, with the risk of malnutrition as a consequence (Gustafsson et al, 2003). Social and cultural norms surrounding the meal may be perceived as an obstacle to eating with others in a social context (Jacobsson et al, 2000). Social withdrawal has been described as a strategy to manage the eating situation when social and cultural codes are unable to be followed (Gustafsson et al, 2003).…”

“…Two types of losses were described: the loss of function in relation to eating and the loss of the possibility to perform certain activities in relation to food and eating. In another study by Jacobsson et al (2000), the problem of asking for help was further described, as well as the difficulties of dealing with feelings of clumsiness and uncertainty. Medin, Larsson, von Arbin, Wredling and Tham (2010) also described the difficulties concerned with receiving help from others, such as unknown people cutting the food on the plate and having to be fed by others.…”