Articles
Alzheimer's and dementia care: Making mealtimes easier
Try large-handled utensils
Consider underlying conditions
Acknowledge declining skills and senses
Expect agitation and distraction
Maintain familiar routines
Get visual
Use easy-to-handle utensils
Offer foods one at a time
Take your time
Sneak in extra nutrition
Content
Causes of poor nutrition
Support for people with early-stage dementia
Mealtime support
Foods to avoid
Professional support
Acknowledge declining skills and senses
In the early stages of Alzheimer's, your loved one might forget to eat or lose the skills needed to prepare proper meals. Call to remind him or her to eat or to offer help with food preparation. If you buy groceries for your loved one, choose food that's easy to prepare or doesn't need to be cooked.
If you make meals in advance, review how to unwrap and reheat them. Or consider using a meal delivery service.
Your loved one might also experience:
- Diminished senses of smell and taste, which can affect interest in eating
- Difficulty swallowing in the later stages of the disease
