Good Nutrition and Proper Feeding Techniques for Individuals with Dementia

Adequate nutrition is important for people with dementia, not only for physical fitness but to preserve cognitive and emotional functioning. With advancing dementia, eating and drinking may become increasingly difficult due to reasons like forgetfulness, decreased appetite, difficulty chewing or swallowing (dysphagia), and alterations in taste or behavior.

The Importance of Balanced Nutrition

Dehydration and malnutrition are frequent issues in dementia management. Malnutrition may result in weight loss, muscle weakness, heightened risk of infection, and increased cognitive deterioration. A brief guidance on balanced diet can be found here to promote general health.

Ample fruits and vegetables - to provide fiber, antioxidants, and fluids. Please check with treating physician about potassium and sugar restriction.

Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, and whole wheat breads/dalia to provide energy and facilitate digestion

Lean proteins like eggs, chicken, fish, and legumes to preserve muscle mass. Keep in mind religious and personal preferences.

Healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids from nuts, seeds, and oily fish that could possibly preserve brain health

Hydration, with adequate intake of water and foods with high-water-content like fruits and soups. Some seniors with renal issues etc. are on fluid restricted diet and their input and output should be monitored very carefully.

Frequent, small meals may be easier to cope with than three big ones. Offering nutrient-rich snacks between meals is also beneficial. We at Nema eldercare homes provide 6 to 7 meals daily customized as per physicians instructions like fluidity, fibres, sugar, salt and potassium control.

Caregiver Feeding Techniques

When dementia worsens, caregivers can need to modify the way they assist with eating. The following are some simple tips:

Establish a peaceful, distraction-free dining space. Switch off the television, minimize background noise, and sit facing each other. This promotes concentration and minimizes confusion.

Use plain tableware. Steer clear of crowded patterns or over-printed settings. Colored plates may make it easier to distinguish between the food and the plate, particularly if vision is poor.

Use finger foods- if it becomes hard to use utensils. Soft fruits, boiled eggs, rice balls, chapaty pieces, and sandwiches are simple to consume on their own.

Work towards independence. Hand-over-hand support or verbal directions can assist the seniors without doing everything for them.

Watch for swallowing. If they are choking or having swallowing difficulties, see a doctor or speech therapist. Food may have to be pureed or thickened.

Be patient. Someone with dementia may eat slowly, forget to eat, or become upset. Remain calm and gently coax food.

By incorporating healthy meal planning and empathetic feeding strategies, caregivers can assist individuals with dementia to retain their dignity, strength, and quality of life.