Dementia and eating problems: Why do dementia patients stop eating?

Watching someone with dementia eat less or refuse food can feel deeply distressing. You may feel worried, helpless, or unsure how to help.

Eating difficulties are common as dementia progresses. Your loved one may forget how to chew or swallow, lose interest in food, or find that familiar flavours no longer register. With patience, understanding, and the right support, you can make mealtimes safer and more comfortable. This guide explains why dementia affects eating and shares practical ways to support safer, more comfortable mealtimes.

Key insights

• Eating changes are common: Dementia affects hunger, taste, and coordination – your loved one may forget to eat or struggle to chew and swallow.
• Prioritise safety and comfort: Watch for coughing, choking, or a gurgling voice; adjust food textures and seek professional advice.
• Create calm mealtimes: Reduce noise, allow extra time, and use bright tableware to make food more appealing and recognisable.
• Get professional support: GPs, dietitians, and live-in dementia carers can help ensure safe, dignified eating at home.

Why does dementia affect eating and appetite?

Dementia alters how the brain processes information related to hunger, taste, and coordination. Your loved one may forget they’ve eaten, struggle to recognise food, or no longer feel hungry.

Cognitive decline can make mealtimes confusing. They might not understand what the food is for or how to use cutlery. Combined with fatigue, low mood, or medication side effects, these challenges often lead to reduced intake and weight loss.

If your loved one refuses meals or leaves food untouched, this behaviour isn’t deliberate. It’s a symptom of the condition, not a personal choice. Feeling worried or frustrated when your loved one refuses food is natural. Caring for someone with dementia is demanding, and every effort you make matters.

Signs your loved one may have difficulty eating

• Food left untouched or pushed away during meals
• Coughing, choking, or drooling while eating or drinking
• Taking longer than usual to finish meals
• A wet, gurgly, or weak voice after swallowing
• Weight loss or clothes fitting more loosely
• Dry mouth, reduced urination, or increased confusion

If you notice these changes, observe when and how they occur, then speak to your loved one’s GP or request a speech and language therapist assessment. Early support can make eating safer and more comfortable.

Chewing and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

Many people living with dementia develop dysphagia – a swallowing disorder that makes it difficult to move food or drink from the mouth to the stomach. Signs include coughing or choking while eating, or a wet, gurgly voice after swallowing.

Dementia affects the muscles and nerves that control swallowing. This increases the risk of aspiration, which is when food or fluid enters the lungs instead of the stomach. Aspiration can cause pneumonia, a serious infection that often occurs in the later stages of dementia.

If your loved one struggles with swallowing, speak to their GP or ask for a speech and language therapist assessment. A professional can suggest modified diets, posture adjustments, or thickeners to make swallowing safer.

“Swallowing difficulties are common, but with the right adjustments, we can often maintain both safety and dignity at mealtimes.”

Charlotte Jackson, Clinical Manager at Hometouch.

Dental and mouth health

Painful dental problems can make eating uncomfortable. Cavities, gum disease, and poorly fitted dentures can cause mouth sores and sensitivity, discouraging your loved one from eating.

Check regularly for loose teeth, ulcers, or signs of infection. Good oral hygiene and regular dental appointments remain important, even when memory problems make routine care difficult.

If dentures are used, make sure they fit comfortably and are cleaned daily. Something as simple as adjusting a denture or treating sore gums can restore comfort and make meals more enjoyable.

Appetite loss and other common causes

Several factors can reduce appetite in someone living with dementia:

• Memory loss: Forgetfulness may cause missed meals or confusion about how to use utensils. Simplifying routines and offering gentle reminders can help.
• Mood changes: Depression, anxiety, or apathy can reduce appetite. Speaking with a GP about these symptoms can open up treatment options.
• Sensory changes: Dementia can dull the senses of smell and taste. Food might seem bland or unfamiliar. Adding herbs, spices, or familiar aromas can help.
• Medication: Some prescriptions cause nausea, dry mouth, or reduced appetite. If you suspect this, consult the doctor – small adjustments or timing changes may help.
• Constipation or discomfort: Digestive issues are common and can make someone feel full or nauseous. Encourage fluids, fruit, and fibre to support regular digestion.

Weight changes in dementia

Weight loss is often one of the first signs of eating difficulties. Most people with dementia lose weight because they eat less, though some may gain weight if their sense of fullness is affected or if they crave sweet foods (common in frontotemporal dementia).

For weight loss, monitor progress gently. Offer calorie-dense foods in small portions – porridge, soups, or smoothies work well. For weight gain, focus on balanced meals and limit high-sugar snacks.Light exercise, such as short walks or chair-based movement, can stimulate appetite and support healthy digestion.

Creating a calm mealtime environment

Mealtimes can become stressful if your loved one feels rushed, confused, or self-conscious. Small changes often make the biggest difference.

Choose a calm, well-lit space and turn off background noise such as the TV or radio. Sit with your loved one to offer reassurance, or give them privacy if that helps them relax.

Brightly coloured plates can help food stand out – research shows that people with dementia may eat up to 25% more when food is served on red plates rather than white ones.

If the person eats slowly, allow extra time. A one-hour mealtime is normal. Gentle conversation and a familiar routine can make the experience more comforting.

Practical ways to encourage eating

Experiment with different textures, flavours, and meal sizes to find what works best:

• Offer finger foods like sandwiches, fruit slices, or soft vegetables if cutlery is confusing
• Serve smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large ones
• Keep foods moist or add gravy and sauces to help with swallowing
• Thicken drinks slightly with fruit purée or commercial thickeners to reduce choking risk
• Encourage hydration throughout the day – dehydration can worsen confusion
• Stay patient and positive, even a few mouthfuls provide nutrition and comfort

“Small adjustments to texture and presentation can make mealtimes safer and more successful. Our carers work closely with families to find what works for each individual.”

Dimple Chandarana, Head of Clinical Governance at Hometouch.

When to seek professional support

Contact a healthcare professional if your loved one’s appetite continues to decline despite your efforts, or if they show signs of choking, dehydration, or rapid weight loss. A GP, dietitian, or speech and language therapist can identify medical causes and create a personalised care plan.

For many families, live-in dementia care provides essential support. A professional carer can help with meal preparation, ensure safe eating practices, and provide companionship during mealtimes – easing the burden on families while maintaining dignity and routine at home.

How Hometouch can help

Eating difficulties are a natural part of dementia’s progression, but they don’t have to mean the end of comfortable, nourishing mealtimes. With understanding, patience, and the right support, your loved one can continue to experience the comfort that food provides.

At Hometouch, our dementia-trained carers understand the complexities of supporting safe, dignified eating. They work with families to create personalised approaches that respect your loved one’s preferences and changing needs.

If you’re struggling to manage these challenges, our care team is here to help – no pressure, just guidance when you need it most.