Korean J Community Nutr.  2021 Oct;26(5):327-336. 10.5720/kjcn.2021.26.5.327.

Development of 3D Printed Snack-dish for the Elderly with Dementia

• Lee JY
• Kim CH
• Kim KW
• Lee KA
• Koh K
• Kim HS

• KMID: 2522121
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2021.26.5.327

Abstract

Objectives
This study was conducted to create a 3D printable snack dish model for the elderly with low food or fluid intake along with barriers towards eating.
Methods
The decision was made by the hybrid-brainstorming method for creating the 3D model. Experts were assigned based on their professional areas such as clinical nutrition, food hygiene and chemical safety for the creation process. After serial feedback processes, the grape shape was suggested as the final model. After various concept sketching and making clay models, 3D-printing technology was applied to produce a prototype.
Results
3D design modeling process was conducted by SolidWorks program. After considering Dietary reference intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) and other survey data, appropriate supplementary water serving volume was decided as 285 mL which meets 30% of Adequate intake. To consider printing output conditions, this model has six grapes in one bunch with a safety lid. The FDM printer and PLA filaments were used for food hygiene and safety. To stimulate cognitive functions and interests of eating, numbers one to six was engraved on the lid of the final 3D model.
Conclusions
The newly-developed 3D model was designed to increase intakes of nutrients and water in the elderly with dementia during snack time. Since dementia patients often forget to eat, engraving numbers on the grapes was conducted to stimulate cognitive function related to the swallowing and chewing process. We suggest that investigations on the types of foods or fluids are needed in the developed 3D model snack dish for future studies.

Keyword

3D printing; the elderly; dementia; food dish; nutrition intervention