Nutrition and Hydration in Dementia: Why Good Nutrition Matters

Maintaining good nutrition and hydration is essential for everyone, but it becomes particularly important for people living with dementia. As dementia progresses, changes in memory, behaviour, communication, and physical abilities can make eating and drinking increasingly challenging. Without the right support, poor nutrition and dehydration can lead to weight loss, infections, falls, confusion, hospital admissions, and a reduced quality of life.

Why Nutrition Matters in Dementia

Good nutrition provides the body with the energy, vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats needed to maintain physical health, muscle strength, brain function, and immune system health.

People living with dementia often experience changes that affect their ability or desire to eat, including:

• Forgetting to eat meals

• Loss of appetite

• Side effects of medication

• Difficulty recognising food

• Problems using cutlery

• Changes in taste and smell

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

• Depression or anxiety

• Increased confusion during mealtimes

  
  

Poor nutrition can contribute to:

• Dehydration

• Constipation

• Confusion

• Unintentional weight loss

• Increased frequency of UTIs and other infections

• Increased frailty

• Reduced mobility

• Higher risk of falls

• Pressure sores

• Slower healing

Maintaining a balanced diet helps support overall wellbeing and may help individuals remain independent for longer.

Latest International Guidance ( 15^th July 2026)

These recommendations are consistent with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Risk Reduction of Cognitive Decline and Dementia: WHO Guidelines (Second Edition), published on 15 July 2026. The updated guidance continues to emphasise the importance of healthy nutrition, regular physical activity and effective management of cardiovascular risk factors as key components of maintaining brain health and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

Reference: World Health Organization. (2026). Risk Reduction of Cognitive Decline and Dementia: WHO Guidelines (Second Edition). Geneva: World Health Organization.

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240123557 

Foods That Support Good Health

A healthy, balanced diet for someone living with dementia generally follows the same principles recommended for everyone by the NHS.

Aim to include:

• At least 5 portions of a variety of different fruit and vegetables daily, which can be fresh, frozen, canned or dried.  These provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre that support overall health and help to prevent constipation; a common occurrence in individuals with dementia.

• Starchy carbohydrates as the base of each meal, choosing wholegrain varieties where possible for additional fibre, which helps to maintain a healthy gut and avoid constipation.

• A source of protein with each meal to support muscle maintenance and tissue repair. Choosing primarily poultry without skin, fish, eggs and plant-based sources helps to limit unhealthy fat intake.

• Milk, yoghurt, cheese, and fortified dairy alternatives to provide calcium and vitamin D. These support tooth and bone health, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

• Healthy fats to contribute to heart health and energy intake.

  
  

For further information about the different food groups and other aspects of maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, please see the Introduction to Nutrition and Hydration section of our Wellbeing Hub.

Although following these guidelines is preferable for maintaining overall health, dementia can often result in changes to eating and drinking habits that require accommodations to be made to best support nutritional intake.

Some types of dementia can cause individuals to no longer recognise hunger or thirst signals, or to rigidly limit food and fluid intake resulting in weight loss, while other types can amplify sweet food cravings, resulting in overeating and weight gain. The most appropriate dietary recommendations must therefore be tailored to each person, with frequent monitoring.

This article gives an overview of strategies to maximise nutritional intake in line with expertise from Dementia UK.

The Importance of Hydration

Dehydration is one of the most common yet preventable health concerns among older adults, particularly those living with dementia.

A person with dementia may:

• Forget to drink

• Not recognise thirst

• Be unable to communicate they are thirsty

• Avoid drinking because they worry about using the toilet

• Find it difficult to prepare drinks independently

Even mild dehydration can cause:

• Headaches

• Constipation

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Dizziness

• Increased confusion

• Falls

• Kidney problems

Encouraging regular fluid intake throughout the day is therefore an essential part of dementia care.

The NHS generally recommends consuming around six to eight glasses or mugs of fluid per day, although factors such as medical conditions, activity levels, and the weather can affect requirements.

Encouraging Good Hydration

Small changes can make a significant difference.

Useful approaches to encourage adequate hydration in those suffering from Dementia include:

• Offering drinks frequently; for example each hour

• Providing favourite beverages

• Using brightly coloured cups

• Using a container with a sports cap if drinking from an open cup is difficult

• Keeping drinks within easy reach

• Offering fluids with medication

• Including soups, smoothies and milk-based drinks

• Encouraging foods with high water content such as melon, cucumber and oranges

Some people drink better little and often rather than consuming large amounts at once.

Common Eating Difficulties in Dementia

Every individual experience dementia differently, but several eating challenges are commonplace.

Forgetting Meals

Someone may genuinely believe they have already eaten or forget that food has been prepared.

Helpful strategies include:

• Gentle reminders

• Visible clocks and calendars

• Serving meals at consistent times each day

  
  

Loss of Appetite

Reduced appetite is common and may be linked to:

• Medication

• Depression

• Illness

• Reduced sense of smell

• Fatigue

Smaller meals and nourishing snacks offered more frequently throughout the day can often be more successful than expecting someone to eat three large meals.

Being flexible and offering food and fluid at times when an individual has more energy and is less distressed can also help.

Examples of nutritious, high-energy snacks include:

• Yoghurt

• Cheese and crackers

• Nut butter on bread or toast

• Smoothies

• Fortified milk drinks

• Cakes, biscuits, chocolate confectionary and other favourite sweet and savoury snacks can be offered freely when more nutritious options are not adequate to prevent significant weight loss

Difficulty Recognising Food

As dementia progresses, some individuals struggle to identify foods on their plate.

Providing simple meals with contrasting colours and limited distractions can make food easier to recognise.

Problems Using Cutlery

Fine motor skills may decline.

Finger foods such as:

• Sandwiches

• Vegetable sticks

• Mini quiches

• Cheese cubes

• Fruit slices

• Wraps

can help maintain independence while ensuring adequate nutrition.

Understanding Changes in Taste

Many people with dementia experience altered taste perception.

They may:

• Prefer sweeter foods

• Lose interest in savoury meals

• Add excessive salt or sugar

• Crave familiar childhood foods

Rather than restricting favourite foods unnecessarily; aim to create a balanced diet that includes enjoyable meals while considering any medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Supporting Safe Swallowing

Some people develop dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), particularly in the later stages of dementia.

Signs include:

• Coughing during meals

• Choking

• Wet or gurgly voice during or after eating or drinking

• Taking a long time to eat

• Food remaining in the mouth

• Recurrent chest infections

If any of these signs are present a GP should be informed as soon as possible so that any issues can be identified and a referral to a Speech and Language Therapist can be made. 

Speech and language therapists can assess swallowing ability and recommend strategies to facilitate safe food and fluid intake.

Any prescribed swallowing guidance should be carefully followed to reduce the risk of choking and food or fluid going into the lungs, known as aspiration, which can lead to chest infections and pneumonia.

Managing Weight Loss

Any ongoing reduction in appetite and food intake is important to monitor to minimise unintentional weight loss. Signs such as loose clothing or loose-fitting dentures can be important indicators.

Strategies to improve and encourage nutritional intake include:

• Offering smaller, frequent meals

• 2-3 high-protein and energy snacks between meals

• Full-fat dairy products if appropriate

• Nourishing drinks throughout the day

• Utilising favourite foods

• Fortifying milky drinks and foods e.g. yoghurt and custard with skimmed milk powder

• Fortifying meals with healthy oils, or butter, cream and honey if this alone is not sufficient.

Monitoring weight regularly helps identify concerns early, and reporting these to a GP allows a referral to a dietitian to be made if additional support is required.

Managing Weight Gain

Overeating can become a concern if it leads to unhealthy weight gain, which increases the risk of health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Excess weight may also affect mobility and balance.

If a person with dementia is overeating or gaining weight, the following strategies may help:

·        Serve individual portions rather than placing a whole packet or serving dish on the table

• Offer a drink before meals to help create a feeling of fullness

• Offer healthier snacks such as fruit or yoghurt

·        Keep sweet foods out of sight and only keep small amounts in the home.

• Use smaller plates or bowls to make portions appear larger

• Provide companionship and encourage focus on meaningful and enjoyable activities to prevent eating due to boredom, loneliness or habit

• Encourage regular physical activity where able. Even movement whilst seated is beneficial if mobility is limited.

• 
  

Creating a Positive Mealtime Environment

Mealtimes are about more than nutrition.

They provide opportunities for:

• Social interaction

• Maintaining routines

• Preserving independence and enjoyment

Helpful strategies include:

• Offering a choice from two liked meal or snack options, if appropriate, to give agency whilst avoiding overwhelm

• Reducing distractions e.g. turning off the television

• Playing soothing background music

• Sitting together during meals

• Allowing plenty of time to avoiding rushing

• Offering reassurance

• Giving one instruction at a time

A calm environment often encourages better eating.

Respecting Independence

Maintaining independence wherever possible promotes dignity and confidence.

Our carers encourage clients to do as much as they safely can, including:

• Preparing simple meals

• Choosing foods

• Pouring drinks

• Holding cups

• Using adapted cutlery

• Setting the table

Even small tasks help preserve important daily skills.

Cultural and Personal Preferences

Food is deeply personal.

Good dementia care always respects:

• Religious beliefs

• Cultural traditions

• Family recipes

• Favourite meals

• Dietary choices

• Allergies

• Ethical preferences

Knowing someone's life history often helps carers prepare meals that are comforting and familiar.

Why Consider Domiciliary Care

Many families worry about whether their loved one is eating enough.

Home care can provide reassurance through practical daily support.

Our dementia-trained carers can assist with:

• Meal planning

• Grocery shopping

• Preparing nutritious meals

• Encouraging regular drinks

• Monitoring food intake

• Recording hydration

• Supporting medication routines

• Identifying signs of malnutrition

• Liaising with GPs, dietitians and other healthcare professionals

• Providing companionship during meals

Receiving support at home allows many people to continue enjoying familiar surroundings and established routines.

Supporting Family Carers

Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding.

Families often spend considerable time encouraging meals and drinks, which can become stressful if a loved one refuses food.

Professional home care offers valuable support by:

• Sharing responsibility

• Establishing consistent routines

• Offering practical meal preparation

• Monitoring nutritional intake

• Giving family carers opportunities to rest

This collaborative approach benefits both the individual living with dementia and those supporting them.

Further Support and Information

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, both for the person living with dementia and for those supporting them. Access to reliable, evidence-based information can help individuals and families better understand the condition, prepare for future decisions and feel more confident in managing day-to-day challenges.

We highly recommend exploring the comprehensive range of free publications, factsheets and practical guides available from Alzheimer's Society. These resources cover a wide variety of topics, including understanding dementia, communication, nutrition and hydration, legal and financial matters, caring for someone with dementia, and planning for the future.

You can access the full collection of Alzheimer's Society publications and factsheets here:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-factsheets/full-list

 How Bennett Care Hampshire Can Help

At Bennett Care Hampshire, we believe that exceptional dementia care is about far more than assisting with daily tasks. It is about preserving dignity, promoting independence, supporting wellbeing, and enabling people to continue living meaningful lives in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.

Our person-centred domiciliary care is tailored to each individual's needs, preferences, routines and personal goals. We recognise that every person experiences dementia differently, which is why there is never a one-size-fits-all approach to supporting nutrition, hydration or daily living.

Good nutrition is about much more than simply eating enough. It plays an important role in maintaining physical health, supporting cognitive function, reducing the risk of illness, promoting recovery, and enhancing overall quality of life. Equally, mealtimes should remain enjoyable, familiar and respectful, preserving independence and personal choice wherever possible.

Our trained care professionals work closely with individuals, families and healthcare professionals to support healthy eating and hydration while respecting each person's wishes and abilities. Whether assisting with shopping, preparing nutritious home-cooked meals, encouraging regular fluid intake, monitoring changes in appetite or weight, supporting safe eating and swallowing, or creating a calm and enjoyable mealtime environment, we aim to provide compassionate, personalised support that enables people to live well at home for as long as possible.

As a Dementia Friendly organisation, and as Dementia Friends committed to raising awareness and improving understanding of dementia, Bennett Care Hampshire continually invests in professional development and evidence-based practice . We actively engage in ongoing professional development, drawing upon guidance from organisations including Alzheimer's Society, Dementia UK, Parkinson's UK, and the latest international recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO). By combining evidence-based practice with genuine compassion and attention to detail, we strive to deliver care that supports not only physical health, but also confidence, independence and overall quality of life.

Conclusion

Good nutrition and hydration are fundamental to maintaining health, wellbeing, and independence for people living with dementia. Although eating and drinking can become more challenging as dementia progresses, practical support, patience, and person-centred care can make a significant difference.

Professional domiciliary care enables individuals to receive the nutritional support they need while remaining in the familiar surroundings of home. By working closely with families and healthcare professionals, carers can help reduce the risks associated with malnutrition and dehydration, ensuring clients continue to enjoy safe, nutritious meals and a better quality of life.

Further Resources

For further advice to support adequate nutrition and hydration following a dementia diagnosis please see the following resources from the Dementia UK and Alzheimer’s UK:

https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/health-advice/eating-and-drinking/

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/living-with-dementia/eating-drinking