Skip to main content
Login to MyChart

Help us elevate and expand our care, make breakthroughs in biomedical science and improve community health and wellness.

Donate today

Search UVM Health

Healthwise

Alzheimer's and Other Dementias: Maintaining Good Nutrition

Getting a person with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia to eat enough may be a challenge in some cases. Some of these tips may help you.

  • If the person resists using a spoon or fork, don't force the issue. Some people may have vision or motor problems that make using a spoon or fork difficult. Serve food that can be easily eaten, such as finger foods. Prepare foods the person likes and don't worry too much about how the food is eaten.
  • Offer food more often. This includes healthy mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks.
  • Set aside enough time for meals. The person may take longer to eat.
  • Limit choices, which can be confusing. Serve meals in courses, one food at a time.
  • Make sure the person's dentures fit properly. Uncomfortable dentures can make eating painful and keep the person from eating enough.
  • If the person is losing weight, consider adding a liquid nutrition drink. An example of a nutrition drink is Ensure. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for more information.
  • Eat with the person.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: October 1, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

© 2024-2026 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

844-UVM-HEALTH

Give to a Healthier Future

Help us elevate and expand our care, make breakthroughs in biomedical science and improve community health and wellness.

Healthier communities. Healthiest lives. Together.

University of Vermont Medical Center

111 Colchester Ave
Burlington, VT 05401

802-847-0000

Golisano Children's Hospital

111 Colchester Ave
Burlington, VT 05401

802-847-0000

Central Vermont Medical Center

130 Fisher Road
Berlin, VT 05602

802-371-4100

Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

75 Beekman Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

518-561-2000

Elizabethtown Community Hospital

75 Park Street
Elizabethtown, NY 12932

518-873-6377

Alice Hyde Medical Center

133 Park Street
Malone, NY 12953

518-483-3000

Porter Medical Center

115 Porter Drive
Middlebury, VT 05753

802-388-4701

Home Health & Hospice

1110 Prim Road
Colchester, VT 05446

802-658-1900

© 2026 University of Vermont Health
Jump back to top