Comparing Homogenized Instantaneous Meals and Traditional Pureed Foods in Patients Affected by Dysphagia: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Institutionalized individuals with dysphagia are particularly at risk for malnutrition. This study investigated two texture-modified models for patients with dysphagia, as follows: (i) traditional homemade pureed food (PF) and (ii) homogenized meals obtained from dehydrated and rehydrated instantaneous preparations (IPs). Methods: A retrospective pilot study was performed. It included patients affected by medium-severity dysphagia admitted to the nursing home “Sacra Famiglia” Institute of Cocquio Trevisago, Varese. The patients were aged 41–81 years old and all had complex disabilities. They underwent anthropometric and biochemical parameter assessments at baseline, as well as at two months and four months follow-up. Results: The study involved 30 patients, 15 received the IP meal. The comparison between the baseline and the follow-up did not show significant anthropometric and biochemical parameter differences. Conversely, the IP group reported significantly higher levels of consumption and satisfaction, evaluated using a modified Chernoff scale based on three levels of smiles, than the PF group. Conclusions: The present findings provide promising indications to improve the diet of patients affected by dysphagia, since meal satisfaction is a relevant factor that has been shown to be associated with better patient mood, motivation to eat, and adherence to prescribed diet.