1. The Intersection of Nutrition and Mental Health: Research and Solutions

4.71 (42 votes)

Only available as part of a package

Older adults have an increased risk of malnutrition, food insecurity, and other nutrition-related concerns that can negatively impact their mental health. This session will provide an overview of the overlap between nutrition and mental health and examine solutions. An innovation in nutrition services will showcase a virtual diabetes education program that addresses depression, anxiety, and social isolation among their clients.

Eligible for 1 CE with live participation

Nadine Sahyoun, PhD

Professor

University of Maryland

Nadine Sahyoun is Professor of Nutritional Epidemiology in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park. Dr. Sahyoun received her Ph.D. in Nutrition from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, at Tufts University and was a postdoctoral research fellow with the Association for Teachers in Preventive Medicine at the National Center for Health Statistics in Hyattsville, Maryland. Her area of research focuses on the relationship between diet, lifestyle factors, nutritional status and health outcomes, especially in vulnerable populations, such as older adults and refugee populations, nationally and internationally. Her work with older adults uses a multidisciplinary approach to examine the relationship between risk factors, such as dietary intake, food insecurity, socioeconomic status, dental health, social support, resilience, mental, functional and health status on health outcomes. Dr. Sahyoun uses some of her research findings to develop screening and prioritization schemes to identify the neediest older adults for community-based nutrition services, including populations that are not traditionally well served. The ultimate impact of her research is to improve the quality of life of older adults and provide knowledge to impact the development of effective public health policies.

Heather Engelman, RD

Manager of Nutrition Services/Registered Dietitian

Apostle Group, LLC

Highly professional Registered Dietitian with over 17 years of experience in the dietetics profession within consultation, administrative, organizational, and educational environments. Passionate about providing education and skills which enable individuals to feed their bodies for optimal health and well-being.

Nigel Atherley

Past Participant

Apostle Group, LLC

Nigel attended a group nutrition program through Apostle Group, LLC, and he will share his experience in the class and how it helped improve his diabetes and mental health.

Kathy Wilson-Gold, MS, RDN, LD, FAND (Moderator)

Nutrition Contractor

Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs, Administration for Community Living

Kathy Wilson-Gold is a registered and licensed dietitian with over 30 years of experience in business and industry-leading executive teams to deliver innovative solutions for healthcare, education, and senior nutrition. She currently serves as a Nutrition Contractor specializing in business acumen for the Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs in the Administration for Community Living.

Her career highlights include 18 years at the Campbell Soup Company and employment at Abbott Laboratories and US Foodservice. A familiar face in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, she has held numerous national and state offices. She is currently Chair of the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger Board of Directors and has served locally on the board of Edmond Mobile Meals.