title: The influence of aquariums on weight in individuals with dementia.
abstract: This study assessed whether individuals with dementia who observe aquariums increase the amount of food they consume and maintain body weight. The sample included 70 residents in dementia units within 3 extended care facilities in 2 states. The intervention included the introduction of an aquarium into each common dining area. A total increase of 196.9 g of daily food intake (25.0%) was noted from baseline to the end of the 10-week study. Resident body weight increased an average of 2.2 pounds during the study. Eight of 70 residents experienced a weight loss ((Equation is included in full-text article.)=1.89 lbs). People with advanced dementia responded to aquariums in their environment documenting that attraction to the natural environment is so innate that it survives dementia.
authors.affiliation: *School of Nursing †College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
authors.forename: Nancy E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: Alan M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Beck
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D017753:Ecosystem; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D057805:Pets / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities / Q000639:trends; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology