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Eating

How to manage your loved one’s eating habits

Your loved one needs to eat a varied, balanced diet to stay healthy. However, you may find that it’s difficult to get them to eat nutritious meals. They may be less interested in staple foods and more tempted by sugary treats.

Taste buds can diminish due to dementia, so your loved one may crave sweet foods and treats more often or develop an interest in spicy foods, even if they disliked them before.

While it’s OK for the person to have sweet treats now and then, it’s also essential to eat a balanced diet. You may be able to manage your loved one’s sugar cravings by adding honey to cereals or serving savoury casseroles such as pork and apple.

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You’ll need to ensure the person does not regularly skip meals, which can be challenging as they may be less interested in food.

Possible reasons for loss of appetite

  • They forget to eat

  • They may be depressed

  • They may be in pain

  • Constipation

  • They are too tired to eat or finish a meal

  • They are confused about the food on their plate in front of them

  • Cutting up or swallowing some foods can be a challenge

Forgetting to eat

Set timers for meals, call the person, and remind them there is a meal in the fridge for them if you don’t live with them. If you live under the same roof, enjoy meals together so that you know what they’ve eaten and that they’re eating regularly.

Dealing with depression

If you suspect your loved one is depressed, speak to their GP or healthcare provider. Depression in a person with dementia can be common, due to the person being unable to do the things they used to do or finding daily tasks more difficult. However, it can also be hard to diagnose, as dementia can cause some of the symptoms commonly linked with depression. If you suspect they are depressed, don’t delay – seek help.

Pain

The person may have dental pain or may be suffering from physical pain that they are unable to tell you about. Again, seek medical help if you are concerned.

Constipation

The person may be full or bloated and, therefore, not interested in consuming more food. Encourage them to drink lots of water. They should seek medical help if their constipation lasts more than a few days, as it could be a symptom of something more serious.

Fatigue

Your loved one may find the idea of eating a large meal daunting. Try serving smaller meals more frequently.

Confusion

Your loved one’s sight may be fine, but their brain still has to process what they see. This means it may be difficult for them sometimes to recognise the food on their plate. Serve food on brightly coloured plates such as red or blue, making food easily distinguishable. Avoid using pastel-coloured plates. If you think they are unsure about the food, you could say: ‘I thought you might enjoy a chicken salad today’ rather than saying: ‘In case you don’t recognise this food, it’s chicken salad’. Always be diplomatic.

Problems with cutlery

Your loved one may find it more difficult to use cutlery over time, so you may need to cut food up or give the person a spoon. Serving finger foods that can be picked up, like chicken nuggets and chips, may be a good idea. Cut sandwiches into small squares or toast into individual fingers if you are serving them.

Take your time

Don’t rush the person to finish a meal. Give them as much time as they need. Never make them feel like you are in a hurry or they are taking too long.

What if the person is overeating?

You may find your loved one is eating more than usual. This may be due to the person forgetting they have already eaten, or it could be due to boredom. They may lack purpose if they have recently stopped going out or have given up hobbies. Food can be a distraction. However, too much is not a good idea.

  • Try distracting the person with a new hobby or interest or encouraging them to go for a walk with you.

  • Get them involved in local classes or community events so they have something to look forward to and can distract themselves from food.

  • Don’t leave too many sweet foods and treats in the house. At the very least, keep some treats out of sight.

  • Stock up on healthy snacks, such as fruit and yoghurt.

  • Serve smaller meals and give the person a glass of water after they’ve eaten to help them feel full.

  • If you think they are overeating due to depression, seek medical help from the person’s GP or healthcare provider.