Appetite Loss Due to Dementia: How to Cope

Maintaining healthy nutrition is the key to preventing cognitive decline in your loved one with dementia. If your loved one is living alone, then ensure that food is available by signing up for grocery delivery services or programs. Also, check intermittently that they have eaten their food and set reminders such as a clock alarm if needed. Due to the loss of appetite, eating food becomes a boring experience. You can help your loved one to make eating an enjoyable activity by enhancing flavors. Various herbs such as garlic, rosemary, cilantro, or lavender can add more flavor to food. Seasoning with spices such as cumin, turmeric, or cinnamon can further enhance various dishes. If you live with your loved one with dementia, then you can encourage them to eat healthily. Although your loved one may crave sugar, in the early stages of dementia reducing sugar or replacing it with healthier options such as fruits is recommended.