Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. However, you may have noticed that your loved one with dementia seems to be losing their appetite. You may wonder if that loss of appetite is due to dementia, or just a normal part of aging.
Dementia and appetite loss are connected. Dementia affects the brain in many ways and can make eating less enjoyable, suppress hunger cues, cause people to forget to eat, and even make it difficult to eat. Luckily, there are ways to help your loved one meet their nutritional needs to help them stay healthy for longer.
How Does Dementia Impact Appetite?
The connection between dementia and appetite goes beyond forgetfulness. Dementia’s effects on the brain can lead to a reduced appetite in different ways. Here are some ways that dementia could lead to changes in appetite.
Changes in Taste & Smell
Dementia often alters the senses, changing a person’s ability to taste and smell foods. Favorite dishes might now seem dull or flavorless. These sensory changes can lead to less interest in eating, a reduced appetite, and even aversions to familiar meals.
Forgetfulness & Cognitive Decline
One of the most common symptoms of dementia is forgetfulness. For someone with dementia, meals may slip their mind entirely. Forgetting to sit down for meals or not recognizing hunger cues could pose challenges to people with dementia, causing them to not eat enough.
Anxiety & Confusion During Mealtimes
Unfamiliar environments can cause stress for people with dementia. Eating in areas that are unfamiliar, busy, or loud may cause those with dementia to be stressed, causing them to avoid meals in communal areas. Trying to introduce new foods and dishes to people with dementia could also cause them stress and a reduced appetite.
Physical Challenges
Swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, can arise in later stages of dementia. This makes mealtimes challenging and potentially uncomfortable for those struggling to eat, which may cause a reduction in appetite and/or avoidance of eating.
Medication Side Effects
Many dementia medications come with a side effect of reduced appetite or nausea. While these medications can help your loved one with dementia feel better in some respects, it could discourage them from eating.
Additional Health Struggles
Health conditions that commonly co-exist with dementia, like depression or gastrointestinal issues, can also affect energy levels and eating habits, which could in turn lead to reduced appetite in those with dementia.
Why Nutrition Matters for People with Dementia
When people with dementia lose their appetite, it’s not just about skipping a meal or two—it’s a risk to their overall health. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining energy, cognitive function, and physical strength.
A lack of balanced meals can lead to complications, such as:
- Rapid, extreme weight loss can lead to muscle weakness, making mobility and daily tasks more challenging, and raising the risk of injury.
- Lack of fluids can lead to dehydration which can exacerbate confusion and fatigue.
- Without proper nutrients, the immune system struggles to fight off infections.
Signs Your Loved One Might Be Struggling with Appetite
If you think your loved one with dementia is experiencing appetite loss, here are signs to watch out for:
- Consistent refusal to eat meals or snacks.
- Weight loss or signs of dehydration, such as dry lips, sunken eyes, or darker urine.
- Complaining of fatigue or appearing physically weaker.
- Food is left untouched, even if it’s something they usually enjoy.
Once you recognize these signs, it’s time to take action to support your loved one.
How Can You Encourage Appetite in Someone with Dementia?
Mealtimes for someone with dementia don’t have to be stressful. With the right approach, mealtime can be a pleasant experience, and even a chance to connect with your loved one with dementia. Here are some practical, caring strategies to promote appetite and healthy nutrition.
1. Create a Calm Dining Space
Make mealtime a peaceful experience. Reduce distractions by turning off televisions and minimizing background noise. Serve food in well-lit spaces with plenty of natural light.
Consider using simple place settings, as contrasting plates and utensils might make meals feel more manageable and eliminate the confusion of a busy table and place setting.
2. Prioritize Small, Frequent Meals
For someone struggling with appetite and portion sizes, smaller meals throughout the day may be more manageable than three large ones. Serve nutrient-rich snacks periodically, like yogurt, fruit, or nuts.
3. Change Food Textures
If swallowing becomes difficult, adapt meals to make eating easier. Serve soft or blended dishes like pureed vegetables, soups, or mashed potatoes. Adding gravies or sauces can also help improve moisture.
4. Offer Familiar & Favorite Foods
Serve meals that your loved one enjoys, even if it involves repetition. Familiar flavors and favorite recipes often provide comfort and reassurance, encouraging them to eat more readily.
5. Stay Hydrated
Encourage drinkable options like smoothies, soups, or milkshakes if chewing feels too overwhelming. These hydrating options pack nutrients into a format that’s easy to consume, and they also allow you to help your loved one avoid dehydration—a common concern in individuals with dementia.
When to Seek Professional Support
While small adjustments can go a long way toward improving appetite, some cases may require expert intervention. If your loved one shows signs of malnutrition, refuses food consistently, or struggles with physical pain related to eating, consult a doctor or nutritionist. Speech therapists who specialize in dysphagia can provide guidance on safe swallowing techniques.
Support Your Loved One with Dementia
Caring for someone with dementia is an act of love, patience, and attention. When it comes to nurturing healthy eating habits, small changes can make a meaningful impact—not just on their health, but on their sense of comfort and dignity.
Kingston at Dupont wants to help your loved one with dementia live a supported life through compassionate memory care. To see what support we offer, you can schedule a tour of our community today.
