Tricks to stimulate appetite for people living with dementia

Regular intake of meals is typically a challenge for people living with dementia. A 2020 review on eating behaviour in dementia indicates eating pattern changes often start slowly and are related to memory decline. Because your brain controls your appetite, it’s very easy for people living with dementia to forget to eat, lose their appetite or spit out food. It's important that we are aware of the tips and tricks to stimulate appetite in the elderly, especially those with dementia, as it can cause a host of adverse effects, such as weight loss and weakness, if action is not taken. 

Lead with kindness. People don’t do this out of stubbornness, so punishing them certainly won't help. Below, we’ll explore ways on how to increase appetite in elderly people living with dementia.

Create a routine

Serve meals at a consistent time and in a place that is familiar to the person living with dementia. Being consistent with mealtimes gives them a sense of security and predictability and reduces anxiety. Over time, the habit of eating around a certain time will be reinforced, stimulating their appetite around that time due to their body being trained to recognise what time they’ll be eating around.

Finger food

People living with dementia may become overwhelmed with sitting down and eating plated meals, not want to eat meals at a set time, or prefer to eat and move around. Try finger food such as fish sticks, falafel, and fruit on sticks—foods like this are easier to hold, and this means that people who move around often or find it difficult to sit at the table for long can still eat. You can also try making full meals into finger food by transforming them into sandwiches or cutting them up into smaller pieces before presenting them to a loved one.

Encourage snacking

Because dementia and loss of appetite go hand in hand, encouraging snacking is a good way to stimulate appetite. The sight of large meals may be unpleasant for people with dementia. Offering snacks may seem more appealing due to their smaller size, coupled with the perception that they are easier to eat. It’s a good idea to offer snacks throughout the day so they can receive a substantial amount of nutrients and energy, little and often.

Fortify meals

According to the NHS, when someone is at risk of undereating, it is recommended that they fortify their meals. This means making their meals nutrient-dense by adding additional ingredients such as protein to increase the calories of a meal while keeping the food appealing and easy to eat. Protein-rich options such as eggs, cheese, and yoghurt can support muscles and overall health. Healthy fats such as butter and cream are also recommended. Although this doesn’t meet all healthy eating guidelines, the aim is to prevent further weight loss.

Use drinkable meals

People with dementia may find it difficult to swallow, making drinkable meals a great alternative. Drinkable meals, such as smoothies, are a good way to pack vegetables, fruits and protein without having to chew, making it easier for people to take in nutrients. Spices like vanilla or cinnamon can make the drink more enjoyable or appealing – check with your loved one what spices they would prefer. If possible, you should serve it in a familiar cup or one they like to encourage people to drink it.

Suggest stimulants

There’s a range of medications to increase appetite in elderly people for dementia, which are known as appetite stimulants. These could be considered when someone isn’t consuming enough nutrients. However, it’s best to try natural methods to increase appetite before opting for stimulants. You should consult with a doctor and make sure they are being monitored, as appetite stimulants can cause side effects in some people and should not be used long-term.

Experiment with different food temperatures

People with dementia may want to experience their food differently from what they are used to. They may prefer eating cold foods over hot foods, for example, responding better to yoghurts and fruits over hot meals like soups or potatoes. It's important to keep this in mind and adjust to their preferences to ensure an enjoyable eating experience, which will encourage them to eat. Make sure you test the temperature of foods before serving, as a person with dementia might not recognise if their food is too hot to eat.

Further help:

Here is a list of resources available to help support people experiencing dementia and loss of appetite. 

• Meal preparation
• Dementia support guide
• Maintaining a healthy diet for people with dementia
• A practical guide to eating and drinking
• Fortified diets

We make sure each and every person in our care eats well. You can call us at any time to see how we can support your loved one living with dementia. We’ll always be happy to help.