Can a gentle massage and scent boost appetite in dementia?

NCT ID NCT07678515

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Symptom relief Sponsor: National Cheng Kung University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

dementia Xerostomia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AROMATHERAPY DEMENTIA DRY MOUTH EXPERIMENTAL FEEDING DIFFICULTY RCT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Yueh-Rong Nursing Home

Tainan, Taiwan

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