Tips To Encourage Eating In Dementia Patients

Dementia brings with it a lot of changes in the individual with change in eating habits leading the pack, for example

1. they may eat less than they used to (could be due to medical issues related to chewing, swallowing, etc.), or
2. may show no interest in eating at all due to loss of interest in food (due to loss of sense of smell or taste, memory loss), or
3. they may have a poor appetite (side effects of medications).

This is normal for dementia patients to experience due to the decline in cognitive function. The progression of the condition further aggravates the situation, which is a source of concern for caregivers. If the situation persists, in no time will it take a huge toll on your loved one’s health.

For those dealing with early and mid-stage dementia, poor appetite can be attributed to factors, such as confusion, mood swings, and loss of ability to recognize hunger signs. For advanced dementia patients, loss of appetite often occurs as a response to the body closing down due to the progression of the condition. Fret not! There are tips in place that can assist caregivers in encouraging eating in their dementia loved ones, thereby profoundly improving their quality of life. Read on:

Encourage them to exercise- Exercise is not just good for physical well-being, but mental well-being as well. Just by exercise alone, you can lower risk of developing dementia by as much as 50 percent. For those that already have cognitive problems, regular exercise can keep the problem from escalating. Exercise keeps the brain sharp by maintaining old neural connections as well as creating new ones.

In the context of how it encourages eating, your loved one moving more during the day will cause them to get hungry. Exercise could be as simple as a slow walk, gardening, etc.

Turn it into a social activity– This is one of the best tactics to get your loved one to eat. Eating with others is known to pique interest in the activity (eating), they’ll eagerly look forward to mealtimes just for the joy and happiness that it promises to bring. This will help them eat better. It is advised to engage in talks regarding food in terms of your beloved’s favorite food to eat, any memory attached to it, favorite dish to cook, etc.

Practice patience– This is an important virtue to have for dementia carers. Do not rush things when they are eating, let them take their own good time. This can make a world of a difference to the way they take to eating.

Anthem Senior Living is an award-winning Anthem assisted living facility that has several strategies in place to encourage eating in dementia residents, such as regular mealtime hours, creating groups according to resident’ eating abilities, using colored plates, and more . We know dementia and eating issues are closely connected to each other, and nutrition remains the cornerstone of dementia care. We make sure residents have the best possible experience at mealtimes and receive sufficient amounts of nutrition, which can be instrumental in enhancing their lives. To book a suite, contact Anthem Senior Living at 602-909-9550.