Nutrition Tips for Alzheimer's & Dementia

According to the Alzheimer's Association -

"Proper nutrition is important to keep the body strong and healthy. For a person with Alzheimer's or dementia, poor nutrition may increase behavioral symptoms and cause weight loss."

Make mealtimes calm and comfortable. Some causes of poor appetite can be not recognizing food, poor fitting dentures, medications, not enough exercise and a decreased sense of smell or taste. Remember persons with Alzheimer's or dementia may not remember when or if they ate.

Nutrition tips:

1. Provide a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and limit foods with high sugar. high sodium and saturated fats

2. Prepare meals together allowing for some control and independence

3. Limit distractions and serve meals in quiet surroundings

4. Avoid patterned plates and table settings and provide only necessary eating utensils

5. Allow plenty of time to eat meals

6. Offer one or two food choices at a time

7. Check the temperature of foods before serving

8. Prepare foods that are not hard to chew or swallow