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Consuming nutritious foods that are rich in essential vitamins and minerals is crucial for seniors with dementia to stay strong and healthy. A balanced diet that contains certain types of foods is recommended to help sustain physical well-being and overall health in dementia patients.
As dementia progresses, it gradually impairs a senior’s judgment, memory, and cognitive abilities. This decline affects their eating habits, as they may forget how to cook or, in some cases, even forget to eat. Several factors contribute to a reduced appetite in dementia patients, including difficulty recognizing familiar foods, diminished senses of smell and taste, and reduced physical activity. Certain medications can also negatively impact appetite, and ill-fitting dentures can hinder eating.
Despite these challenges, dementia patients significantly benefit from a nutritious diet. Consuming nutrient-rich meals positively influences the brain’s biological mechanisms, such as oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
What Causes Poor Appetite with Dementia Patients?
One of the main challenges facing dementia patients when it comes to getting enough nutrition is poor appetite as dementia often disrupts the ability to maintain a consistent appetite. The following are the main causes of poor appetite among dementia patients:
- Decreased smell and taste: Dementia can diminish the senses of taste and smell. Those who have experienced this may be less likely to eat because they can no longer taste food as strongly as before.
- Medications: Medications can sometimes decrease appetite. If you believe this is happening to your loved one, consult their doctor.
- Poor fitting dentures: Ill fitting dentures make it difficult and even painful to eat. When this happens to dementia patients, they may not be able to communicate this. Taking your loved one to the dentist for regular checkups can avoid this issue.
- Forget to eat: Dementia patients may skip meals simply because they forget to eat. There is also a risk of overeating as they may forget that they have already eaten and eat again.
- Forget how to cook: Those with dementia may reach a point where they do not remember how to cook. However, it is usually best for dementia patients to avoid cooking as they may turn the stove or oven on and forget they were cooking.
- Low physical activity: Physical activity, even simple activities like walking, help increase appetite. Your loved one’s appetite may decrease if they do not get enough physical activity.
- Unable to recognize food: It is possible for some dementia patients to fail to recognize food that is put in front of them.
How to Help Dementia Patients Eat
The loss of appetite in dementia patients can be dangerous as they can become malnourished and experience severe weight loss. If your senior loved one is hesitant to eat, you can help encourage them eat by following these steps:
- Ensure their comfort: Make sure your loved ones are as comfortable as possible when eating. This includes keeping a comfortable room temperature and lighting and giving them a place to sit with adequate seating support.
- Reduce distractions: Take away any distractions such as the TV so your loved one can concentrate on eating.
- Simplify their options: Only serve one or two foods at a time to avoid causing them to feel overwhelmed. Use dishes and silverware they are comfortable with and consider offering food they can eat with their fingers.
- Check the temperature of the food: Make sure the food you serve is at a comfortable temperature as dementia patients may be adverse to food that is too hot or too cold.
- Be patient: Show patience as you encourage your loved ones to eat. Do not show frustration if they are slow to eat and do not make them feel pressured.
Can Dementia Be Slowed Down with Diet?
Although research is still underway, some evidence points to a slow in cognitive decline when dementia patients follow a Mediterranean diet. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties found in specific nutrients in the Mediterranean diet may protect the brain and lead to slower cognitive decline.
A variation of the Mediterranean diet is the MIND diet (Mediterranean—DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay). The MIND diet focuses on plant-based foods associated with dementia prevention. Those who follow the MIND diet may choose from ten healthy food groups.
A senior who consumes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, and fish follow the Mediterranean diet. The consumption of red meats, sweets, and eggs is reduced. The MIND diet similarly encourages eating adequate amounts of leafy greens, berries, fish, beans, poultry, and nuts.
1. Leafy Greens
Caregivers are advised to prepare salads, soups, and stews that include leafy greens. Kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, and spinach are examples of leafy greens that are high in essential B vitamins. Folate and B9 are effective in reducing depression and boosting cognition. Serve leafy greens six times per week.
2. Berries
Boost a senior’s brain health with berries. Cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are filled with antioxidants and vitamins that help reduce inflammation. Caregivers should try to serve at least two servings of berries per week to dementia patients. Fruits are also convenient finger foods.
3. Fish
Consuming fish plays a pivotal role in influencing higher cognitive function and slowing cognitive decline. Salmon, tuna, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish sticks are easier for dementia patients to handle, thereby making eating more comfortable. Incorporate one to three servings of fish per week.
4. Nuts and Seeds
Bite-sized and packed with flavor, nuts and seeds are loaded with nutrients. Vitamin E, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids are abundant in peanuts, walnuts, almonds, and cashews. The nutrients in nuts boost mood and help protect the aging brain from memory loss.
Seeds, too, provide a healthy dose of vitamin E, which is linked with lower rates of cognitive decline. Cognitive function improves when sunflower seeds (contains choline), pumpkin seeds (a good source of zinc), and flax seeds (rich in omega-3) are consumed. Aim for five weekly servings of seeds and nuts.
5. Vegetables
Cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cabbage burst with nutrients, such as vitamin B, carotenoids, and folate. These nutrients reduce levels of homocysteine, which is an amino acid linked with cognitive decline and dementia. Sautee vegetables or serve in soup at least once per day.
6. Spices
Season daily meals and snacks with a variety of spices, such as cinnamon, cumin, and sage. Popular spices like these are filled with polyphenols, which benefit brain health. Additionally, these spices reduce the brain plaque and inflammation associated with cognitive impairment.
7. Liquids
Solid foods provide nourishment, but the regular consumption of liquids is necessary to prevent dehydration. Caregivers should offer dementia patients small amounts of water, milkshakes, or smoothies throughout the day. Alternately, serve foods with high water content, such as fruits.
Foods for Dementia Patients to Avoid
The aforementioned foods are essential in a healthy diet, but certain foods are to be avoided. Butter, lard, shortening, and fatty cuts of meat contain high saturated fats and cholesterol. While consuming a limited amount of fats is healthy, these fats are bad for heart health.
Similarly, limit sweet foods that contain refined sugars. Many processed foods contain empty calories but lack vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Healthier options include fruit or baked goods made with fruit juice. Sweetening foods with sugar is an option to encourage eating in dementia patients.
Dementia Care from Assisting Hands
When your aging loved one needs additional support with meals, Assisting Hands Home Care’s professional caregivers are here to help. Our skilled caregivers provide dementia care that includes help with personal care, and we are trained to respond to the common behaviors of dementia patients such as wandering, agitation, and memory issues. You can also count on our caregivers to help ensure that your loved ones eat by preparing nutritious meals and shopping for fresh groceries.
Assisting Hands Home Care’s comprehensive home care services also include assistance with personal hygiene, transportation to doctor’s offices, light housekeeping, companionship and medication reminders.
If your elderly loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, consider the reputable dementia care services from Assisting Hands Home Care. We are dedicated to serving the residents living in Addison, Lombard, Villa Park, Elmhurst, Illinois, and its surrounding areas. Call us at (630) 526-6522 for an in-home assessment.
Learn about Daily Care Checklist for Dementia Patients
