Can a gentle massage and scent boost appetite in dementia?
NCT ID NCT07678515
First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026
Summary
This study tests a simple, drug-free approach to help people with moderate-to-severe dementia who struggle with eating. The experimental group receives a salivary gland massage combined with aromatherapy before meals for 20 days, while the control group gets a palm massage. Researchers will track mealtime behaviors and food intake to see if the dual sensory stimulation makes eating easier and increases how much is eaten.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
salivary gland massage combined with aromatherapy
What this could lead to
If effective, this simple, drug-free routine could offer a safe way to improve mealtime experiences and nutrition for people with dementia in long-term care.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage trial with only 30 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention is non-invasive, but its benefits over a simple palm massage (control) are uncertain.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Yueh-Rong Nursing Home
Tainan, Taiwan