Understanding Eating Challenges in Dementia: Tips for Caregivers

Eating together helps trigger hunger and provides the visual cues to help people with dementia to remember to keep eating

Caring for someone with dementia can present many challenges, especially when it comes to eating. It can be hard to understand why a person with dementia (including Alzheimer's, Frontotemporal, Vascular, etc.) is eating less. Changes in habits and a loss of interest in favorite foods can turn mealtime from a pleasant bonding experience into a stressful challenge. This article provides easy tips to help you navigate these common issues.

Understand How Dementia Affects the Brain and Body

Research shows that nearly 30% of people with dementia may experience a complete loss of appetite at some point. Each person's situation is unique, so understanding the reasons behind these changes is crucial. As the brain undergoes changes, it no longer sends the same thirst and hunger signals as before. Consequently, someone may go hours or even days without wanting to eat. Conversely, they might demand food even after just having a meal.

The body's hunger hormones may be functioning correctly, but the brain struggles to interpret these signals. Think about times when you're "hangry" and realize you’re in a bad mood simply because you need to eat. Additionally, physical issues such as chewing and swallowing can become challenging or painful. Recognizing which of these factors affect your loved one is the first step in finding a suitable solution.

Eat With Them

One of the most common reasons people with dementia stop eating is due to a lack of visual cues to remind them to eat. During mealtimes, sit down and eat with them. Research indicates that individuals with dementia who share meals with someone else can increase their food intake by 10-15%. This social interaction can make mealtimes more enjoyable and increase their overall consumption.

Serve Smaller, Manageable Portions

Large servings can be intimidating for someone with dementia. Instead, opt for smaller, more manageable portions. Serving meals in smaller bowls can make them easier to handle. Studies indicate that reducing portion sizes by about 25% helps improve intake in older adults. Also, consider oral textures; offering bite-sized pieces that are easy to chew significantly enhances their willingness to engage with their meals.

Offer Choices, But Keep It Simple

Providing limited choices can empower your loved one and stimulate their appetite. Avoid overwhelming them by asking what they would like for dinner or offering too many options. Instead, ask if they would prefer chicken with vegetables or a chicken sandwich. This straightforward approach allows them to feel more in control of their meal and can encourage them to eat.

Incorporate Their Preferences

Including familiar foods in meals can greatly enhance enjoyment and comfort. Comfort foods or dishes they loved growing up can evoke positive memories, thereby increasing their appetite. This emotional connection can make the meal more appealing and enticing.

Re-Evaluate Your Nutritional Value System

Western medicine emphasizes the importance of nutritionally dense meals for individuals with dementia. A balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals is essential for maintaining physical health. However, their health goals may have shifted. Perhaps they no longer need to strive for peak health, as running marathons is not feasible for them anymore. In some cases, any calories are better than none, allowing indulgence in their favorite comfort foods.

You may need to shift your focus from restorative to palliative care. Prioritizing happiness and comfort over health can create a more pleasant mealtime experience. Understanding your objectives is crucial so that you can choose your battles at mealtimes.

Use Adaptive Utensils

Physical challenges can make eating difficult, but there are solutions. Consider adaptive utensils designed to be easier to hold. These tools are helpful for individuals with tremors or muscle weakness. For example, adaptive plates with raised edges or easy-to-hold utensils can significantly improve the mealtime experience. Statistics show that 40% of individuals with dementia struggle to use standard utensils, so these modifications can make a noticeable difference.

Reach Out for Professional Help

If the situation becomes overwhelming, seeking support is a wise move. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Professional guidance can provide you with valuable strategies and help reduce your stress.

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About The Author:

Shawnee Canjura is the owner of The Dementia Doula, a coaching service for the caretakers and loved ones of those with dementia. She began this work after being the full-time, unpaid caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2016. What started out as the worst experience of her life eventually became her most positive and transformative one. She offers individual and group sessions to help clients overcome the headaches and heartaches of the experience as quickly as possible, allowing them to focus on joyful and meaningful moments