Support With Eating | Understanding Dementia Behaviours

Q: How can I tell if my loved one with dementia is in pain while eating?

Look for signs such as grimacing, refusing food, or difficulty swallowing. Even if they can’t communicate pain, their facial expressions or body language can reveal discomfort. Observing their reactions and ensuring regular dental check-ups can help identify and address issues early.

Q: Why does my loved one suddenly prefer sweet foods?

Dementia can alter taste buds, often making sour or bitter foods unpleasant while creating a preference for sweet flavours. Adding a small amount of sugar to meals, like potatoes or vegetables, can balance the taste while maintaining a healthy diet.

Q: How can I encourage someone with dementia to eat without pressure?

Start with small portions on a smaller plate, making the meal feel manageable. Offer seconds if they finish. Creating a relaxed atmosphere and avoiding rules like “you must finish” can ease any stress they feel about eating.

Q: What should I do if my loved one hides food?

Understand that this behaviour may stem from past habits or feelings of stress. Gently reassure them they are not required to finish every bite. Clear communication and a calm environment can reduce anxiety around meals.

Q: How can I help if my loved one forgets how to eat or swallow?

Sit across from them and model eating behaviours. For instance, visible movements like swallowing can serve as reminders. Encourage them to mimic actions and use softer, easily chewable foods if necessary.

Q: Are there professional resources for dementia-friendly dental care?

Yes, the NHS offers dementia-trained dentists who can visit at home. Search online for options in your area to ensure your loved one gets the best care.

Q: What foods should I avoid for someone with dementia?

Foods with strong or unusual flavours (like parsnips or spicy dishes) may become unpleasant. Stick to mild, familiar options, but always consult their doctor about any dietary restrictions due to medications or health conditions.

Q: How do I make mealtimes more engaging for someone with dementia?

Serve meals at a table, away from distractions like TV. Use small dishes of food on the table for them to serve themselves, promoting autonomy. For more tips, read Creating a Dementia-Friendly Mealtime .

Summary

Presented by Jayne – Our dementia care expert, this video offers invaluable insights into supporting individuals with dementia who may face challenges around eating. Jayne draws on her expertise to discuss practical tips and emotional considerations, ensuring meals are a positive and nourishing experience.

Key points include:

Addressing Dental Pain: Many individuals with dementia retain their teeth into later life. Ensuring regular dental check-ups and observing for discomfort during meals is vital. NHS dementia dentists may even offer home visits.
Portion Awareness: Large portions can feel overwhelming, especially for those with limited energy needs. Smaller, manageable portions allow for a more relaxed dining experience, with the option to offer seconds.
Taste Bud Changes: Dementia often alters taste preferences, sometimes creating a new liking for sweeter foods. Adjusting recipes, like adding a touch of sugar to vegetables, can help neutralise sourness while maintaining nutrition.
Dining Environment: Encourage meals at a table rather than on laps. Sitting opposite a loved one can model eating behaviours, making the process more familiar and comforting.
Understanding Behaviours: Some may hide food due to past habits or feelings of stress. A supportive approach ensures individuals feel no pressure or fear of "getting into trouble."

Jayne emphasises the importance of empathy and creating a dignified dining experience that respects individual preferences and medical needs.

FAQ: Supporting Eating Challenges in Dementia Care

How can I tell if my loved one with dementia is in pain while eating?

Why does my loved one suddenly prefer sweet foods?

How can I encourage someone with dementia to eat without pressure?

What should I do if my loved one hides food?

How can I help if my loved one forgets how to eat or swallow?

Are there professional resources for dementia-friendly dental care?

What foods should I avoid for someone with dementia?

How do I make mealtimes more engaging for someone with dementia?

Full Transcript

So let's talk about food—lots of different food out there and we've got lots of different subjects within the food.

First of all, let’s look at our teeth. A lot of people now are keeping their teeth right till the end of life, and it's very important that we are aware that people with dementia can still have pain.

Make sure that we're cleaning the teeth and checking the teeth. Also, make sure that we're asking them if they have any pain.

They might not be able to tell you, so it's important to watch them eat and see how they're swallowing. Are they struggling to eat? Our face says it all.

When you're looking at someone and they seem to be grimacing, ask them at the time what the pain is and where it is.

Please keep up with dental appointments, ensuring regular visits every six months. There are NHS dementia dentists who can actually come out and see you.

Have a look on Google or Bing to find which ones are closer to you. That will help you decide, as they do actually come out.

I don’t know whether you remember this, but when I was little, I would be given a plate of food and told I couldn't have ice cream unless I'd eaten it all. Or I wasn’t allowed down from the table until I’d finished my food.

Think of this person now: they’re sat in a chair all day, not using much energy, and you give them a big plate of food. They might think they can't have anything sweet, or they can’t get down from the table unless they finish it all.

They may start to hide food. For instance, if she’s sat in a chair, she may put food in the chair or the plants beside her—anywhere she can.

She's hiding it because she thinks, “If I don’t eat all that, I’ll be in trouble.” It’s heartbreaking to think of someone in their 80s or 90s worrying about getting in trouble.

They shouldn’t have to feel that way at their age. They have a right not to eat or drink if they don’t want to.

Think about what their taste buds are now, as dementia can bring a very sour palate. You may think, “My mum’s never had a sweet tooth, and now she’s eating chocolate.”

This is part of the changes dementia brings. You can help by putting a teaspoon of sugar into the potatoes or vegetables.

This won’t make them overly sweet, but it will take the sourness out. Don’t be upset about what sort of food they’re eating—at their age, they can eat what they like.

However, we must think about moderation and their health, especially if they are diabetic or have a blood condition that affects their diet.

When helping someone with their diet, ask the doctor about what foods are good or bad for them. Most doctors will give you a list of recommended foods.

Be mindful of what medication they’re on, as medication can also affect their taste buds.

Serve smaller portions on a smaller plate. A small amount of food can feel more manageable, and you can always go back for more.

If they finish their plate and look at you, you can say, “Would you like some more?” Or, if you're in the dining room, you could have old-fashioned serving dishes on the table so they can help themselves.

If the food isn’t there, they can’t serve themselves, but if it’s all on their plate, they might just sit there and not eat. This could lead to them not eating at all.

Think about smaller plates and smaller portions to make it easier for them.

The other thing about food is obviously taste and flavours. Sometimes we get very strong flavours from certain foods that they may not like anymore.

Parsnips, for instance, are one of the biggest foods with a strong flavour. When cooking, keep in mind that foods like cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli don’t have particularly strong flavours.

However, root vegetables like parsnips and carrots can be quite strong in flavour. So, also make sure that you’re dealing with flavours that suit their preferences.

Jayne Vale

Jayne is a highly experienced dementia care specialist with over 17 years in the field. She began her career in 2004, progressing through roles such as hourly visiting carer, coordinator in the live-in care department, and lead dementia trainer. Jayne completed Specialist Practice in Dementia (Mental Health) at Worcester University and has developed bespoke dementia training for managers, carers, and family members.

Recognised for her contributions, Jayne received the National Dementia Care Personality award at the Great British Care Awards 2012. She has also been a speaker at numerous conferences and reviewed dementia-related publications.

Now with Unique Senior Care, Jayne works as a recruitment consultant, recruiting carers both in the UK and overseas, contributing to dementia training for both staff and families. Jayne’s dedication to compassionate, person-centred dementia care is evident in her extensive experience and numerous achievements.

This article was last reviewed and updated on 16th May 2025

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Understanding Dementia Behaviours | How Can I Support Someone with Dementia Who’s Struggling to Eat?