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.
As the disease progresses, they 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 be a good option too.
Establishing a food routine can be really helpful as many people with dementia do well with routine, and that can include food and the timings of meals.
As dementia develops, people can find they want totally 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 a bit of trial and error.
To avoid low energy levels, which can lead to dizziness and confusion, always ensure healthy snacks are to hand. Keep fruit and yoghurts on stand by, and breakfast cereals with full fat milk can be a good snack choice at any time of day.
Eating out can be a good thing
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’d usually have may be a good thing if you feel they aren’t always eating enough at home.
Making eating easier
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 colour of the plate is different to the colour of the food, therefore it’s easier for them to see the food.
Open packets and cut food up if need be, but do it discreetly before you put the food on the plate to avoid any embarrassment.
Gently prompt them to keep eating if they stop but avoid being too instructive about it. 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, not too hot to avoid the risk of them burning their mouth or being put off.
Finger foods may be easier for the person when using cutlery becomes more of a challenge. Good finger food choices include:
For breakfast: muffins, teacakes or crumpets
For lunch: fish fingers or fish cakes, mini quiches, mini pizzas or chicken drumstick
For tea: sandwiches, cheese on toast, paninis
For dessert: fruit salad, ice cream or a sorbet in a cone
Sources:
Ageing & Dementia Research Centre, Bournemouth University
https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/research/projects/optimising-food-nutritional-care-people-dementia
https://dementiahelpuk.com/sign-up-for-your-free-guide-to-dementia-and-nutrition/
https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/health-advice/eating-and-drinking/