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When dementia occurs and begins to grow stage by stage, a person can experience multiple changes in the body. He or she can find it difficult to swallow foods or fluids. Perceiving meals can become problematic. There can be more such problems. Prabhdyal Singh Sodhi Abbey Healthcare, Former Director says that patients require help to overcome these problems.
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How to Make Eating and Drinking Easier for Dementia Patients? PrabySodhi
When dementia occurs and begins to grow stage by stage, a person can experience multiple changes in the body. He or she can find it difficult to swallow foods or fluids. Perceiving meals can become problematic. There can be more such problems. Prabhdyal Singh Sodhi Abbey Healthcare, Former Director says that patients require help to overcome these problems. But expressing the same can be challenging for them. The family members of patients should closely make observations. As per Mr. Sodhi, they should focus on medical help as well. Prior to doing that, caregivers can implement some effective measures to resolve these difficulties as early as possible. • Which Difficulties Arise When Eating? • While eating, a patient with dementia can come across a few challenges. As part of these challenges, he or she may not like the food served. This can be due to modified taste perceptions. At times, patients may not prefer eating due to changes in their routines. • Some people may not be able to sit for long hours while eating. • As a result, they may deny eating. • Perceiving new foods can be difficult, limiting patients from eating. • What Kind of Drinking Problems Occur during Dementia? • Due to issues when swallowing liquids, a dementia patient may stop drinking. This is often the root cause of dehydration. Prabhdyal Singh Sodhi Abbey Healthcare, Former Director explains that some patients may not prefer cold or hot drinks. The change in temperature can result in some difficulties.
How to Make Eating Easier during Dementia? • A person undergoing dementia can enjoy meal times when a setting is conducive. This is particularly helpful for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In such a setting, there are no distractions. It is devoid of noise, screens, and even items that can distract the mind. • Eating can be made easier for patients through other measures as well. Some of these are mentioned below: • 1. Observe Taste Preferences • During the brain disorder, patients can develop modified taste preferences. At times, they may not show the same preference for the foods they were once fond of. On the contrary, it may also happen that patients may prefer eating only the food items they like. • It is the observation of Mr. Sodhi that caregivers should note the preferences of patients. This will help in deciding on items that should be given to them during meal times. • 2. Focus on the Perception of Food • Those who are affected by dementia may not enjoy eating when they cannot perceive food items. The family members of these people should ensure that the items are easy to see. Contrasting colors can play a helpful role in the same. • Along with this, the presentation of the meal will also matter. It should be appealing to dementia patients even when a specific diet is followed and simple items are served. • 3. Interact While Eating • People suffering from dementia can enjoy meal times better when they like interacting. Caregivers can engage them in discussions around topics that patients prefer. This will help in making eating similar to a social event. Hence, difficulties while eating will tend to arise less. • Can Drinking Difficulties be Resolved in Dementia? • It is possible to reduce difficulties related to drinking depending on their nature. Prabhdyal Singh Sodhi, Abbey Healthcare, Former Director is of the view that swallowing is one common problem. A patient undergoing this problem can be directed to swallow fluids. • Also, when a dementia patient drinks too much water, it can harm the balance within. This is another challenge that should be looked after. On the other hand, the person may drink too few fluids, thereby, resulting in dehydration.
During these difficulties, caregivers should guide patients to drink enough fluids. But the quantity should neither be too less nor more, according to Mr. Sodhi. • In a Nutshell • It is common for dementia patients to experience problems related to drinking and eating. But resolving these problems is vital to ensure that health challenges such as malnutrition do not arise. Prabhdyal Singh Sodhi, Abbey Healthcare, Former Director advises that the nature of the problem should be observed. Then it should be effectively resolved to prevent greater difficulties.
