Better eating and nutrition for loved ones with dementia is important and can present challenges for caregivers. Explore several strategies that might help.
Often having Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia can disrupt people's eating habits due to loss of appetite or feeling overwhelmed by the different food choices on the table. Additionally, once the disease is at an advanced stage, patients may also have difficulty swallowing. In situations like these, caregivers have an important role since they can help the patient eat better and improve nutrition by making mealtimes calm and comfortable and by limiting distractions as much as possible.
Here are some tips and strategies to help people with dementia and Alzheimer's disease eat better and improve nutrition.
Besides being patient, it is very important to keep things as simple as possible. For instance, it is always a good idea not to serve the entire meal at the same time but one dish at a time. By doing so, our loved one does not have to make a choice and decide which food to eat first.
At the table, let’s not forget that an individual with Alzheimer’s or dementia may need more time to eat and finish the food that is presented. So, the key word is not to rush or make any remark such as “you did not finish yet.”
If it is possible, share the mealtime with the individual affected by Alzheimer’s disease and make efforts to eat together. It is known that sitting at the same dinner table together can encourage people to eat.
Use plain tableware, as patterns may be confusing. Putting food in a bowl instead of on a plate can help prevent spilling.
Give preference to finger foods such as orange segments, pieces of cheese and bread, vegetable pieces (cooked), and small sandwiches are easier to pick up and eat.
Serve more meals. If your loved one has a diminished appetite, consider serving several small meals over the course of the day instead of segmenting the day with the classical breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Make sure that the cause of poor appetite is not dependent on ill-fitting dentures, a possible side effect of medications, and loss of smell and taste. Talk with the medical providers and/or the dentist about this possible cause as they may be able to solve the issue.
There are many ways to help and promote better eating and nutrition for people with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. As a caregiver navigating this challenging path can feel overwhelming. Try one or two of the suggestions at first and remember to be patient and kind to yourself as well on this journey.
For more about this topic and additional information consider additional information from the Alzheimer's Association.
For broad information and resources related to Alzheimer’s disease, click here to visit Alzheimer’s Association website. Or connect with other great resources, National Institute on Aging or American Federation for Aging Research.
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Domenico Praticò, MD, holds the position of the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research and serves as a Professor and the Founding Director of the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple, as well as a Professor of Neural Sciences at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
For more information on the research conducted by Dr. Domenico Pratico, please visit this link.
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Stay updated with the work happening at Dr. Domenico Pratico's lab by visiting the Pratico Lab website.
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