At Novus Care, we recognise that eating and drinking can be difficult for those living with dementia. Here we offer practical eating and drinking tips for supporting someone living with dementia, based on our vast experience in providing dementia care. By understanding how to adapt meals and mealtimes, you can help your loved one eat well and continue living comfortably at home.
Dementia and weight loss
Losing weight is common in people living with dementia. Unintended weight loss can cause a more rapid progression of dementia. However, not everyone with dementia will experience weight loss. Some individuals may gain weight due to memory issues, leading them to eat again shortly after finishing a meal. Additionally, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, 20-40% of those living with dementia experience depression, which may further affect appetite.
Weight loss signs:
- Poor appetite
- Clothes, jewellery or dentures appear loose
- Tiredness
- Mobility or falling
- Constipation
- Altered mood and changes in behaviour
- Poor concentration
- Poor wound healing
Dementia and swallowing problems
As dementia progresses, issues with swallowing (dysphagia) often worsen. This can lead to challenges like difficulty holding food in their mouth or continuous chewing. Sore gums or ill-fitting dentures can cause discomfort and make eating painful. If these issues become more severe, a speech and language therapist can help with swallowing exercises, dietary advice, and medication adjustments.
Dementia and loss of appetite
It’s common for food preferences to change in the later stages of dementia, which can affect both the amount and variety of food consumed. As we often said ‘we eat with our eyes’. So presentation is essential, especially for someone living with dementia. To support someone with dementia and loss of appetite, try these tips:
- Use coloured plates to help differentiate food (blue, yellow, red and green have all been shown to help increase appetite)
- Include familiar and preferred foods
- Offer smaller meals more frequently
- Support people to eat and drink – cut up food or pour drinks. As dementia progresses – help the person to eat
- Allow sufficient time for food and drink to be enjoyed
- Give constant prompting and positive encouragement
- Be flexible with mealtimes, as appetite can vary throughout the day
- Use a variety of colourful foods, such as fruits and vegetables
- Avoid overloading the plate with too much food
- Leave time between the main meal and dessert
Dementia and eating issues
For those who struggle with cutlery, finger foods can make mealtimes easier. These foods are a great alternative to meals as they are simple to pick up and eat. Perfect for those with co-ordination difficulties or who no longer recognise the purpose of cutlery. Speak with your local GP to be referred to a occupational therapist who may also recommend adaptive utensils, like high-sided plates or spill-proof cups.
Examples of finger foods include:
- Toast fingers with jam or marmalade
- Small sandwiches
- Crackers with soft cheese
- Quartered hard-boiled eggs
- Vegetable batons
- Potato wedges, chunky chips, or roasted vegetables
- Bite-sized pieces of chicken, meatballs, fish fingers, or sausage rolls
- Individual slices of fruit cake, tea cakes, or scones
- Small pieces of fruit, like apple slices, banana segments, or grapes.
Dehydration in elderly dementia patients
Dehydration can pose serious health risks for loved ones living with dementia including incontinence, constipation, fatigue, poor oral health, low blood pressure, and a higher risk of falls due to dizziness and confusion. A person with dementia may become dehydrated if they are unable to communicate that they are thirsty or simply forget to drink.
Signs of dehydration:
- Skin and membranes of nose and eyes appear dry
- Confused
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Light headed/faint when standing
- Darker coloured urine
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Irritability and/or agitation
Top tips to stay hydrated:
- Encourage the person to drink regularly throughout the day, aiming for 1.5 to 2 litres (about 8-10 glasses or 10-13 cups) daily
- Always offer a drink with meals or snacks
- Offer a variety of drinks such as tea, coffee, hot or cold milky drinks, fruit juice, smoothies, soup, squash, or water
- Use a clear glass so they can see the drink, or try a brightly coloured cup
- Hand the cup to them directly or place it where they can easily see it
- Ensure the cup or glass is easy to handle—not too heavy or an awkward shape
- Include foods with high water content, such as ice lollies, jelly, yogurt, melon, soup and cucumber
What if I’m concerned about leaving a person with dementia alone?
Over 120,000 people in the UK living with dementia live alone. In the early stages of dementia loved ones may be able to live alone and completely independently with support.
As dementia progresses, loved one’s may struggle to prepare meals or forget about food entirely. If eating and drinking become problematic, it may indicate they need to start having daily support. Using care agencies such as Novus Care who offer care and support at home include daily visiting care for meal preparation or live-in care for 24/7 support.
Tips for supporting someone living alone with Dementia
- Buy ready-made meals that require little preparation
- Set reminders on a smart device (e.g. Alexa) or mobile phone
- Arrange for meal deliveries—your local council or Alzheimer’s Society may offer options
- Shop online, with a relative or friend placing orders on their behalf.
- Use simple notes or pictures to indicate where food is stored (e.g., a picture of a sandwich on the fridge)
- Provide clear instructions for preparing food (e.g., “microwave on high for 3 minutes”).
- Consider arranging a visiting carer to pop in to prepare meals
The importance of healthy eating and dementia
A healthy diet is essential for managing dementia. Proper nutrition supports both physical and mental health, reducing the risk of dehydration, weight loss, urinary tract infections, and constipation. These issues can worsen dementia symptoms, such as confusion and delirium. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals play a role in supporting brain health.
Encourage a diet that includes:
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens
- Oily fish, at least twice a week, for omega-3
- Nuts, seeds, and olive oil for healthy fats
- Wholegrain foods for additional fibre and nutrients
How visiting or live-in support can help manage symptoms of alzheimer’s and dementia
Having visiting carers or live-in support at home can make a significant difference for someone living with Alzheimer’s or other types of Dementia. A dedicated carer provides care, reassurance, and encouragement, offering both practical support and peace of mind for your loved ones.
For more information about our visiting and live-in care services, or to discuss your loved one’s specific needs, please contact us on 0800 138 4030 or email: [email protected]
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