Problems with Eating
As we get older, there are changes that affect eating. Older adults have less ability to taste and smell. Some people have trouble chewing and swallowing. Having a dry mouth is common. Some have trouble with their bowels or stomach. There are yet other problems when people have dementia. For example, they may not recognize food. They often don't want to eat at mealtimes, or may forget to eat. Here are some ways to help people with dementia eat better.
Tips to Help People with Dementia with Eating
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Colorful foods, like fruits and vegetables, have more vitamins than "junk food." Vitamins from food are better than vitamin pills. Here are some examples of good foods a person should eat.
Good Foods to Eat
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Food
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Examples
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Daily Amount
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Fruits
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apples, bananas, berries, 100% fruit juices
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2 - 2-½ cups
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Vegetables
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broccoli, carrots, spinach, squash
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2 - 2-½ cups
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Grains
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bread, cereal, oatmeal, pasta, rice
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1 cup
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Dairy
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cheese, milk, yogurt
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⅓ cup cheese or yogurt, 2 cups milk
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Protein
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beans, eggs, fish, meats, nuts, poultry
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⅔ cup
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Problems with Drinking
People with dementia may not drink enough because they don't feel thirsty. They may even forget to drink. If they don't drink, they may have problems going to the bathroom. They may also get dizzy and fall. How much should they drink? If the urine is dark yellow, they are not drinking enough. If urine is clear, they are getting enough.
Tips to Help People with Dementia with Drinking
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Choking
People with dementia can choke while eating or drinking. You can help avoid choking by cutting food into small pieces. Make sure they chew food well and eat and drink slowly. Call 911 if you see signs of choking. You can perform the Heimlich maneuver if you know how, but you should still seek medical care after choking stops, just to be sure things are OK.
Signs of Choking
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Eating and Drinking at the End of Life
In the late stage of dementia, people often do not eat or drink. This is normal in the late stages of dementia near the end of life. Not eating or drinking does not make the person feel sick. You do not have to push or force the person to eat and drink. Not eating or drinking is just the natural part of the end of life with dementia.
Useful Websites
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Written By: Karen D'Huyvetter, ND, RN-MS, MS-HES, University of Arizona Center on Aging