People living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias may have problems with eating and drinking. This may cause illness or weakness, and it can make confusion worse. It’s important to understand why dementia affects food habits, what you can do to help, and when it’s appropriate to contact a doctor.
Why Does This Happen?
People with Alzheimer’s or dementia might:
- Forget that they have eaten.
- Forget to ask for water or food.
- Get confused if there are too many choices.
- Forget how to use forks, spoons, knives.
- Get confused if there is too much noise.
In the later stages of the disease they may:
- Feel like they are choking.
- Lose interest in eating.
What Can You Do?
Keep it simple:
- Do things the same way at every meal.
- Serve meals in a familiar, quiet place.
- Eat with them so that they see you eat too.
- Make the plate a different color than the table.
- Use solid colors – not patterns.
- Don’t offer too many food choices.
Support them:
- Make meals peaceful and slow.
- Don’t worry about spills and messes – they happen!
- Use no-spill cups or straws.
Make eating easy:
- Feed them when they are sitting up.
- Try serving 5-6 small meals.
- Try foods they can pick up with their finger.
- Make sure to check the temperature of the food.
Speak with a doctor if:
- They suddenly become more confused.
- They choke often.
- They keep losing weight.
For personalized support, call us at 858.492.4400 to speak with one of our dementia experts who are here to help San Diego County residents and/or those caring for someone living in San Diego County (Spanish speakers available). Also check out our free education classes, social activities, caregiver support groups, & more.
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Updated on February 24th, 2025
