Why Do Many People with Dementia Lose Weight? And What Can We Do About It?

Many family members get frightened when they see their loved one with dementia getting thinner and thinner. Unfortunately, weight loss is very common in dementia, and it usually doesn’t have just a single cause. Several smaller issues add up, which ultimately lead to our loved one eating less. Let’s look at what might be behind it.

Simply Having No Appetite

Dementia can affect the areas of the brain that control feelings of hunger and fullness. Because of this, it can happen that a loved one with dementia no longer feels hungry. It is also common for depression or anxiety to accompany dementia. In these cases, appetite decreases too.

Forgetting to Eat

Some people lose weight simply because they forget to eat. Sometimes they:

• do not recognize the food,
• do not know how to start eating,
• or after a few bites, they think they have already finished their meal.

Eating Becomes Harder

As the condition progresses, hand movements can worsen, hands may shake, or using a spoon can become more difficult. Often, it’s not a lack of appetite, but eating itself causes so much difficulty that they simply give up and don’t eat.

Food Doesn’t Taste the Same Anymore

Dementia can also change the senses of taste and smell. They might find that their previously favorite meals now taste completely bland, so they don’t enjoy eating them. Others, on the contrary, seek out much stronger flavors or crave sweet foods more.

Difficulty Swallowing May Develop

In the later stages of dementia, swallowing can also become more difficult. If a loved one with dementia coughs a lot while eating, chokes, or can only eat very slowly, it is definitely worth discussing the problem with a doctor.

There Might Be Another Illness Behind It

Dementia is not responsible for all weight loss. Toothache, poorly fitting dentures, or a mouth infection can also cause a loss of appetite. If the weight loss starts suddenly or is very significant, always seek a doctor’s advice.

Loneliness Takes Away the Appetite Too

Just think about it: sitting alone at the table every day is not a very cheerful thing. Many people are much more willing to eat if someone sits down next to them. You don’t even need to talk much; just having lunch together helps.

People instinctively imitate one another. If our loved one with dementia sees that we are eating too, they are much more likely to start eating as well. This works especially well if we don’t rush them or watch them, but simply share a meal together. In this case, eating doesn’t feel like a chore, but like a natural, shared activity. This is one of the simplest, yet most effective methods.

What Can We Do to Make Eating Easier?

There is no single method that works for everyone, but these have proven helpful for many families.

Offer Smaller Meals, More Often

Instead of three large meals, try offering five or six smaller portions throughout the day. Often, half a sandwich or a cup of yogurt is easier to finish than a full plate for lunch.

Make Food Nutritious, Not Just Plentiful

If someone with dementia is already eating less, every bite counts. It is worth preparing foods that contain a lot of energy even in small amounts and are nourishing, such as:

• eggs,
• cheeses,
• cottage cheese,
• Greek yogurt,
• creamy soup,
• smoothies.

Keep the Food Simple

If using cutlery has become difficult, we can prepare finger foods that are easy to pick up by hand. Often, they are much happier to eat these.

For example:

• cheese cubes,
• banana slices,
• quartered hard-boiled eggs,
• small sandwiches,
• meatballs,
• sliced pancakes.

It Is Easier to Eat in a Calm Environment

Turn off the television, turn down the radio, and don’t talk on the phone. Too much noise or stimulation can easily distract someone with dementia from eating.

Use Plain, Contrasting Plates

This might sound strange, but many people with dementia find it harder to distinguish food from the plate, especially if the plate has a pattern or is a very similar color to the food. For example, mashed potatoes on a white plate can almost “disappear.” If we put the same food on a blue or red plate, it is much easier to see.

Keep the Food Warm

With dementia, it often happens that a meal can take up to 30 to 40 minutes. During this time, the food can cool down, and cold food becomes less appealing. If we see that someone with dementia is eating slowly, it’s better to place a smaller portion in front of them, keep the rest warm, and top it up as needed. That way, every portion stays fresh and appetizing.

Give Them Plenty of Time

Don’t rush them if they eat slowly. Eating slowly is completely natural for an elderly loved one with dementia.

Pay Attention to Fluids Too

It is worth frequently offering tea, soup, or fruit, which contain a lot of liquid.

Ask for Help if Necessary

If the weight loss persists, be sure to speak with their doctor. It might turn out that special nutritional supplements are needed.

Do not blame yourself if your loved one with dementia loses weight. Weight loss is a common part of dementia, and despite all our efforts, it is often not easy to stop. The goal is not to force large portions at all costs, but to help them enjoy as many nutritious bites as possible, in a peaceful environment, feeling comfortable.

Important Disclaimer

The information and advice presented on this website and in this article are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute a medical diagnosis or individual therapeutic recommendations. The operator/author of the website assumes no liability for any direct or indirect damages, health issues, or misunderstandings resulting from the use of this information. Everyone applies the described methods at their own risk. Please consult your physician before making any lifestyle changes or applying any complementary therapies.

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About the Author

Suzanne Sandwiese – Dementia Caregiver, Mental Health Assistant

I have more than 12 years of practical experience in caring for elderly people and patients living with dementia. My goal is to translate knowledge about dementia into understandable, practical advice that can be applied in daily life, thereby helping families live together with the disease. As the author of several professional books and the founder of a popular Facebook page, my mission is to provide clear and, above all, usable guidance to all those who care for loved ones living with dementia.