Difficulty eating or swallowing is a common complication of dementia.
Maskot / Getty Images
1.
Provide Comfort
To encourage your loved onewith dementiato eat, focus on providing a comfortable environment.
Maskot / Getty Images
Some ideas to consider include:
Feeling frustrated or impatient when your loved one refuses to eat is normal.
Be kind to yourself in those moments, and take breaks if needed.
Staying calm and patient can help your loved one feel more relaxed and open to eating.
Nutrient-dense options that are easy to eat may include:
3.
Encourage Independence
It is natural to want to help your loved one as much as possible.
However, providing opportunities for independence is an important aspect of treatment.
Encourage your loved one to feed themselves if they are able.
This may increase their motivation to eat.
To encourage independence with eating, consider the following tips:
4.
Minimize Distractions
A calm environment during mealtimes can limit distractions as much as possible.
Turn off all screens, televisions, and music to help your loved one focus.
If possible, attempt to sit with your loved one.
Keep the table or eating space simple and clear.
Remove unnecessary items and avoid bright-colored patterns.
Use white or light-colored plates and napkins to avoid too much stimulation during meal times.
Make It Easy
Meal times can be challenging forpeople with dementiaand their caregivers.
Preparing ahead of time can make the experience easier for everyone.
Offer small bites of food so they aren’t overwhelmed.
To reduce your workload, consider buying pre-cut fruit and salad kits.
You may also find it helpful to use a meal kit service.
Limit High-Sugar Foods
If possible, limit foods that are overly sweet or salty.
Many people with dementia have areduced appetite.
Do not feel the need to withhold all sweets orcalorie-dense foods.
If your loved one craves something sweet, offer fruit, juice, or other naturally sweet foods.
When eating is a pleasurable experience, they may be more open to eating.
If your loved one has a decreased appetite, try serving their favorite treats to encourage them to eat.
It is commonnot tofeel hungryor forget to eat.
As the disease progresses, people with dementia may experienceproblems with chewing and swallowing.
Chewing problems may be related to pain.Eating may be uncomfortable if your loved one hasgum soresorpoorly fitting dentures.
Talk with a dentist or healthcare provider if you are concerned about painful chewing.
If your loved one has trouble swallowing, eating may not be safe.
Call their healthcare provider right away to make a plan.
When to Ask a Provider for Guidance
Caring for someone with dementiacan be challenging.
If your loved one is not eating, talk with a healthcare provider.
When a loved one refuses to eat, it is natural to feel frustrated or anxious.
As often as you are able, take breaks to care for yourself.
To encourage your loved one to eat, provide a comfortable environment and consider eating with them.
Limit distractions by turning off music or screens during mealtimes.
Consider cutting up their food or serving easy-to-eat foods like smoothies.
Call your loved ones healthcare provider if they are not eating enough.
National Institute on Aging.Tips for caregivers: helping people with Alzheimers disease eat well.
2021;13(11):4080. doi:10.3390/nu13114080
Alzheimers Society.Poor appetite and dementia.
National Institute on Aging.Infographic: Six tips to make mealtimes easier for people with Alzheimers disease.
Alzheimers Association.Food & eating.
