Understanding Nutrition Challenges in Dementia

As dementia progresses, several factors can affect your loved one's relationship with food and drink:

• Changes in taste and smell. Dementia often diminishes these senses, making once-favorite foods seem less appealing. Your family member may comment that food tastes different or show less enthusiasm at mealtimes.
• Forgetting to eat or drink. Memory impairment can lead to skipped meals or inadequate hydration simply because your loved one doesn't remember when they last ate or drank.
• Physical coordination difficulties. The ability to use utensils, cut food or bring a cup to the mouth may become challenging, leading to frustration and reduced intake.
• Swallowing issues. As dementia advances, the risk of swallowing difficulties increases, which can lead to choking hazards and reluctance to eat.
• Behavioral changes. Agitation, wandering or distractions during mealtimes can make it difficult to consume adequate nutrition.

Hydration: The Often-Overlooked Essential

Dehydration is particularly common among those with dementia and can lead to increased confusion, urinary tract infections and other serious health complications. Signs your loved one may be dehydrated include:

• Dry mouth, lips and skin
• Increased confusion or irritability
• Dark-colored urine or reduced urination
• Fatigue and weakness

At Bethesda Gardens Loveland, we vigilantly maintain hydration protocols, offering beverages regularly throughout the day and monitoring intake carefully. We find offering a variety of beverages, such as water, juice, decaffeinated tea and nutritional drinks, increases the likelihood of adequate fluid consumption.

Nutritional Strategies May Make a Difference

Proper nutrition may help manage symptoms and potentially slow cognitive decline. Research suggests that certain dietary approaches may be beneficial:

• The MIND Diet. This combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, focusing on brain-healthy foods such as leafy greens, nuts, berries, whole grains, fish and olive oil while limiting red meat, butter, cheese, pastries and fried foods.
• Antioxidant-rich foods. Colorful fruits and vegetables contain compounds that fight oxidative stress, which is thought to contribute to brain cell damage.
• Omega-3 fatty acids. Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds and walnuts, these nutrients support brain health and may help reduce inflammation.

At Bethesda Gardens Loveland, our dining program incorporates these elements while providing delicious, familiar foods residents enjoy.

Creating Positive Mealtime Experiences

The environment and approach taken at mealtimes may significantly impact nutritional intake for those with dementia. Practices to help create positive mealtime experiences include:

• Consistent routines. Serving meals at the same times and in familiar settings reduces anxiety and creates comfort.
• Minimized distractions. A quiet, calm dining environment helps maintain focus on eating.
• Simplified place settings. Using contrasting colors such as dark place mats with light-colored plates helps with visual processing. Specialized adaptive utensils can make self-feeding easier.
• Social dining. Whenever possible, making meals a social activity increases enjoyment and often improves intake.
• Patience and flexibility. Some days will be better than others. Allowing extra time for meals and adapting to changing preferences shows respect for your loved one's dignity.

When Assistance Is Needed

As dementia progresses, different levels of mealtime support may become necessary. For example, giving verbal cues and gentle reminders about using utensils or taking another bite can help maintain independence. Also, guiding your loved one's hand to help with utensil use provides support while preserving dignity.

When utensil use becomes too challenging, appropriately prepared finger foods allow continued self-feeding, which also helps with independence. When necessary, compassionate assistance with eating aids nutritional intake while maintaining dignity.

Our trained staff at Bethesda Gardens Loveland are experts in providing just the right level of assistance, continually adapting as needs change.

Special Considerations for Late-Stage Dementia

In advanced dementia, additional nutritional challenges may need to be addressed:

• Texture modifications. Foods may need to be soft, minced or pureed to reduce choking risk while still being appetizing and nutritious.
• Small, frequent meals. Six smaller meals rather than three larger ones may be better tolerated.
• Comfort foods. Familiar favorites may remain appealing even when other foods are refused.
• Medical consultation. Sometimes, medical interventions such as nutritional supplements or appetite stimulants may be recommended by health care providers.

Take the Next Step Toward Comprehensive Dementia Care

We recognize that watching your loved one's relationship with food change can be difficult. Our team provides education, support and practical suggestions to help family members navigate these changes with compassion and understanding.

If you're concerned about your loved one's nutrition or overall dementia care, we invite you to contact Bethesda Gardens Loveland to learn more about our specialized memory care program. Our approach to nutrition is just one element of our comprehensive care model designed to support the highest possible quality of life for those living with dementia. Together, we can ensure mealtimes remain a source of nourishment, enjoyment and dignity throughout the dementia journey.