Cognitive, Emotional, and Rehabilitative Aspects of HD
Texture Modified Diets
Another study featured at the 2003 World Congress on Huntington’s Disease program was entitled “Innovative Approaches to Improving the Acceptance of Texture Modified Diets.” Since people with HD have difficulty swallowing due to the movement symptoms of the disease, they find it easier to eat soft, minced, or pureed food. In 1999, a program called Shop to Swallow was launched in Australia, in which participating supermarkets provided foods appropriate to the HD texture modified diet, as well as picture displays and realistic molds of the special food to help shoppers find what they needed. An evaluation of the Shop to Swallow program revealed that 100% of shoppers were satisfied with the resource and found it helpful. An upcoming study will gauge the reactions of adults with and without impaired swallowing to the taste and appearance of a range of texture modified foods, in addition to how easy it is to swallow the food. If the researchers get positive feedback, they will develop strategies for incorporating programs like Shop to Swallow into community and residential care facilities.
For a listing of the research posters presented at the 2003 World Congress on Huntington’s Disease, please click here. To learn more about swallowing difficulty in people with HD, please see the Huntington’s Disease Caregiving webpage entitled “Warning Signs of Swallowing Problems.” The Huntington’s Disease Caregiving website also provides information on diagnosing a swallowing problem, as well as tips for preparing a texture modified diet, including some delicious smoothie recipes!
Last Modified: 05/22/2009
An educational product of HOPES, not to be used in place of medical care. For more information about HOPES, click on the Logo.
To contact HOPES with comments or questions, click here.
