Why can a person with dementia overeat?
The person may forget they’ve eaten, or they may be bored or restless. Food can be a distraction. Spending too much time sitting in front of the TV may cause them to overeat. It’s tempting for all of us to snack on crisps and other treats while we’re watching a movie. It can happen without the person even realising they are overeating.
The person may also develop cravings for sugary treats such as cakes or biscuits, even if they didn’t have a sweet tooth before. This can be due to taste buds diminishing through age and dementia. Or the treats may be a source of comfort to them.
Why smaller food portions may be best
If you’ve noticed that the person gets tired while eating meals, it may be advisable to serve smaller food portions more frequently. Larger meals can be daunting and may be too much for the person to consume in one go. Five to six small meals per day may be better than three big meals, especially as their dementia progresses.
Be aware that the person may also find cutlery a struggle. Cutting food up or using a knife and fork may be difficult for them. Be prepared to help them cut food or help them with eating if they seem to be struggling. Sometimes just prompting them to eat if they get distracted may be all that’s needed.
Use brightly coloured plates that are different colours to the food you are serving. This will enable the person to identify the food on their plate more easily.
Serving smaller snacks that can be handled and consumed more easily is a good idea. Finger foods like quiché, wraps, sausage rolls, sandwiches and chicken drumsticks can be easier for the person to manage.
Try to avoid long gaps between meals – if the person seems constantly hungry and they have had plenty of stimulation during the day, then it may be best for them to eat every three to four hours.
However, if the person has had a sudden increase in appetite, then it’s worth speaking to their GP to see if there’s any medical reasons for the change.
Ensuring the person is well-hydrated may help to combat frequent hunger, as thirst can often be mistaken for hunger.
Make sure there is plenty of fresh fruit and healthy snacks on hand for the person. If the person has lost interest in sitting down and having a full meal, ensure they have plenty of snacks in the fridge when you’re not there. Before you leave, try leaving a snack for them to enjoy while you’re not there. Try putting some strawberries, grapes and a chopped banana in a bowl next to their favourite chair.
Overall, ensure the person always has access to healthy snacks. Keep a food and drinks chart in the house to record their eating habits. Make sure you label foods in the fridge for them and remove any out of dates foods.