High-tech 'Tasty Spoon', that zaps tastebuds back to life, will help people with dementia unlock memories of food and help them eat, experts say READ MORE: Carrying belly fat? You're at risk of dementia and Parkinson's By Xantha Leatham Deputy Science Editor Published: 19:01 EDT, 25 July 2024 | Updated: 19:01 EDT, 25 July 2024 e-mail View comments A high-tech spoon is being developed by researchers to help combat eating and drinking difficulties in people with dementia. Known as Tasty Spoon, the device uses electrostimulation to enhance the flavour of foods for patients experiencing a loss of taste. People with dementia often have issues with eating and drinking due to symptoms like memory loss, not being able to recognise food, and a decreased sense of smell and taste.
This can lead to patients losing weight and muscle strength, and result in malnutrition. The rechargeable Tasty Spoon looks like a traditional spoon but can help users differentiate between types of food, according to researchers. The Tasty Spoon, pictured, uses electrostimulation to enhance the flavour of foods for patients experiencing a loss of taste It works by sending gentle electric currents into the tongue which reactivate the taste buds and allows dementia sufferers to recognise specific tastes once again.
Its development is being led by Dr Christian Morgner, of the University of Sheffield’s management school and Healthy Lifespan Institute. He said: ‘A loss of taste can remove the enjoyment of food.