Health Tip: When a Person With Alzheimer's Eats

Suggestions to make it easier

(HealthDay News) -- Mealtime with an Alzheimer's patient can be stressful and challenging, to make sure the patient gets sufficient nutrition.

The Alzheimer's Association suggests how to help mealtime go more smoothly:

  • Serve meals in a quiet environment with no distractions.
  • Clear the table of everything but basic utensils and dishes; keep dishes plain rather than with bright colors or patterns.
  • Make sure the food isn't too hot.
  • Serve only one or two foods at a time, and make an effort to honor the patient's food preferences.
  • Have meals together, and don't rush the meal.
  • Be understanding if the patient can't remember already having eaten.
Diana Kohnle

Related Articles

Learn More About Sharp
Sharp HealthCare is San Diego's health care leader with seven hospitals, two medical groups and a health plan. Learn more about our San Diego hospitals, choose a Sharp-affiliated San Diego doctor or browse our comprehensive medical services.

Health News is provided as a service to Sharp Web site users by HealthDay. Sharp HealthCare nor its employees, agents, or contractors, review, control, or take responsibility for the content of these articles. Please read the Terms of Use for more information.