🥣 Nutrition & Feeding Guide for People Living With Dementia

Caring for a loved one with dementia often includes new challenges with eating, drinking, and maintaining good nutrition. Dementia affects appetite, swallowing, taste, and daily routines—so adapting mealtimes is essential for safety and comfort.

1️⃣ When a Person With Dementia Refuses to Eat

A person with dementia may refuse food because of pain, discomfort, confusion, or changes in appetite.

✔ Check for possible causes

• Pain (teeth, gums, stomach)
• Constipation
• Fatigue or disrupted sleep schedule
• Unfamiliar foods, temperature, or textures
• Anxiety or confusion during mealtime

✔ Helpful approaches

🔸 1. Offer small, frequent meals

Small portions throughout the day are often easier to tolerate than one large meal.

🔸 2. Provide finger foods

If utensils are difficult to use, try soft finger foods such as:

• soft fruits
• boiled eggs
• cut sandwiches
• cheese cubes
• soft cooked vegetables

🔸 3. Give simple choices

Instead of saying “Eat this,” try:
👉 “Would you like the soup or the oatmeal?”

🔸 4. Reduce distractions

• Turn off the TV
• Clear the table
• Use bright lighting
  A calm environment helps reduce anxiety.

🔸 5. Use gentle sensory cues

Warm food aromas, soft background music, and familiar dishes can help increase appetite.

2️⃣ Safe Eating Tips for Swallowing Problems (Dysphagia)

As dementia progresses, swallowing may become difficult, increasing the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia.

✔ Safe positioning

• Sit upright at 90 degrees
• Keep the chin slightly down (chin-tuck position)
• Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after meals

✔ Adjust food texture

• Moist, soft foods such as mashed potatoes, oatmeal, yogurt, stews
• Avoid thin liquids—they may require thickening
• Use thickeners if recommended by a healthcare provider

✔ Feeding tips

• Give small spoonfuls
• Allow enough time to swallow before offering the next bite
• Do not rush
• Stop immediately if coughing, choking, or shortness of breath occurs

3️⃣ Preventing Dehydration

People with dementia often forget to drink or cannot recognize thirst.

✔ Simple hydration strategies

• Use a clear water bottle to easily track intake
• Offer water-rich foods (soups, jelly, watermelon, oranges)
• Give small amounts of fluids frequently
• Limit caffeinated drinks
• Create a daily hydration routine, such as drinking at set times

4️⃣ Nutrition Tips for Dementia With Diabetes or High Blood Pressure

Many people with dementia also live with chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Consistent meals and hydration help prevent sudden changes in health.

✔ For diabetes

• Reduce refined carbs (white bread, pasta, sugary foods)
• Increase fiber: vegetables, beans, whole grains
• Avoid sugary drinks and juices
• Maintain regular mealtimes

✔ For high blood pressure

• Use low-sodium foods
• Limit processed foods (canned soups, deli meats, sauces)
• Encourage adequate daily fluid intake

✔ Key principle

👉 A predictable routine—regular meals, hydration, and medications—is essential for stable health.