Ensuring the person with dementia eats healthy, nutritious food can be a challenge as they may find large meals daunting due to a change in appetite. They may prefer to eat less or not want to eat much at all - or they may be more interested in filling up on snacks, like cakes and chocolates, rather than healthy meals.
If the person has had a sudden loss of appetite then it’s important to speak to their GP and find out the cause.Â
However, if you have noticed a gradual decline in appetite, this can be normal, as taste buds can diminish due to dementia. One of the best ways to ensure they eat enough calories is to serve smaller, more regular meals so that portion sizes aren’t too daunting.
If the person has started to eat more than usual and gain weight, try to find out the cause as they may be bored, restless or craving sugar. Dementia can cause an increase in sugar cravings, so you might find there’s a desire to eat more chocolate and cakes than before.Â
As the disease progresses, patients may lose weight and not want to eat much at all. If this happens, it’s important to speak to their GP, who might recommend supplements to have between meals to top up their calorie intake. High-calorie protein shakes or milkshakes may also be a good option.Â
Establishing a food routine can be really helpful, as many people with dementia do well with routine, which can include food and meal timings.
As dementia develops, people can find they want different foods to their usual taste, and stronger flavours may be more appealing. It’s worth speaking to family or friends to find out about other things you can try, and of course, it's a bit of trial and error.Â
To avoid low energy levels, which can lead to dizziness and confusion, always ensure healthy snacks are available. Keep fruit and yoghurts on standby, and cereals with full-fat milk can be a good snack at any time of day.Â
If you get the chance to take someone you're caring for out for a meal now and then, it’s a good way to get them to eat more than usual. They may choose to have a starter and a pudding as well as a main course. Getting them to take in more calories than they would usually have may be a good thing if you feel they aren’t always eating enough at home.
Over time, someone with dementia may lose the ability to use cutlery or be unsure what food is on the plate, as it can affect a person’s ability to interpret what they see. While they may want to retain some independence and won’t necessarily want you cutting food up in front of them or showing them what to do, here’s some useful tips to make eating easier:
Use brightly coloured plates, such as yellow or blue, so that the plate’s colour is different from the food colour, making it easier for them to see the food.Â
Open packets and cut food up if needed, but do it discreetly before you put the food on the plate to avoid embarrassment.
Gently prompt them to keep eating if they stop, but avoid being too instructive. If they stop eating, try pointing to the food and saying how nice it looks rather than telling them to keep eating.
Be careful with food temperatures; hot foods should be warm but not too hot.
Finger foods may be more accessible for the person when using cutlery becomes more of a challenge.