Dementia and Eating: Guidance for Families in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Caring for a person with dementia in Grand Rapids can be especially challenging around mealtimes. Memory loss, changes in judgment, and physical difficulties can all affect how someone eats. Cold West Michigan winters, reduced activity levels, and common Michigan health issues like heart disease and diabetes can make good nutrition even more important.

This guide offers practical tips for dementia-related eating problems, with local Grand Rapids resources you can turn to for support.

How Dementia Affects Eating

A person living with dementia may:

  • Forget how to chew or swallow
  • Lose interest in food or say they’re “not hungry”
  • Become distracted by noise, TV, or people moving around
  • Have trouble recognizing food or utensils
  • Feel embarrassed by spills or slow eating

In Grand Rapids, shorter daylight hours in winter and less outdoor activity can further reduce appetite and increase the risk of weight loss or dehydration, especially in older adults.

Loss of Appetite in Dementia

Loss of appetite is common in dementia, but it should never be ignored.

Possible causes include:

  • Depression or low mood
  • Acute illness or infection
  • Side effects of medications
  • Ill-fitting dentures or mouth pain
  • Constipation
  • Limited physical activity
  • Feeling embarrassed about eating difficulties

What You Can Do

  • Check with a doctor

    • Schedule an appointment with your loved one’s primary care provider or a local health system such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health.
    • Ask them to rule out treatable causes of appetite loss (infection, medication side effects, depression, dental issues).

  • Offer meals at regular times

    • Keep a consistent schedule for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
    • Use a simple daily routine; people with dementia often eat better when they know what to expect.

  • Let the person eat when they’re hungry

    • If they are more alert in the morning, offer their largest meal earlier in the day.
    • Be flexible—some people do better with 5–6 small meals instead of three large ones.

  • Encourage gentle physical activity

    • Short walks in local parks like Riverside Park, Millennium Park, or around the neighborhood (weather permitting) can help stimulate appetite.
    • In winter, try indoor walking at local malls or community centers.

Providing Balanced Meals and Preventing Constipation

Constipation is common in older adults in Michigan, especially during colder months when fluid intake tends to drop.

To support digestion and regular bowel habits:

  • Include fiber-rich foods: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans.
  • Offer plenty of fluids (see hydration section below).
  • Serve balanced meals with a mix of:
    • Lean protein (fish, chicken, eggs, beans)
    • Whole grains (oatmeal, whole wheat bread, brown rice)
    • Fruits and vegetables
    • Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts if safe to chew)

Familiar Foods Work Best

  • Prepare familiar foods in familiar ways, especially long-time favorites.
  • In West Michigan, this might include simple comfort foods like soups, stews, casseroles, or traditional family recipes.
  • Encourage the person to eat most of one food before moving to the next; multiple tastes and textures at once can be confusing.

Making Mealtimes Calm and Simple

Mealtimes can become stressful for both the person with dementia and the caregiver. A calm environment can improve eating.

Tips for a Better Mealtime Environment

  • Allow plenty of time

    • Plan for up to an hour for each meal.
    • Avoid rushing or repeatedly telling the person to “hurry up.”

  • Reduce distractions

    • Turn off the TV and radio.
    • Limit the number of people at the table if it seems overwhelming.
    • Remove extra cutlery, glasses, and table decorations.

  • Use simple, contrasting tableware

    • Choose plain plates that contrast with the tablecloth and the food (for example, white plate on a dark placemat).
    • This helps the person see the food more clearly, especially if they also have vision changes.

  • Eat together

    • Sit and eat with the person so they can follow your lead.
    • Show them how to cut, scoop, and bring food to the mouth if needed.

  • Serve one course at a time

    • Too many items on the table can be confusing.
    • Offer the main dish first, then dessert if appropriate.

Mouth, Chewing, and Swallowing Problems

Dementia can affect how a person uses their mouth, tongue, and throat. This can lead to chewing and swallowing difficulties, which are serious and can increase the risk of choking.

Common issues:

  • Dry mouth
  • Gum disease
  • Ill-fitting dentures
  • Forgetting how to chew
  • Holding food in the mouth without swallowing

In Grand Rapids, you can seek help from local dentists or dental clinics affiliated with Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or community dental services.

Improving Mouth Comfort

  • Arrange a dental check-up to assess gums and dentures.
  • Ask the dentist or doctor about dry mouth treatments.
  • Moisten foods with gravies, sauces, or broths to make them easier to chew and swallow.

Helping with Chewing

  • Apply light pressure on the lips or under the chin to prompt chewing.
  • Gently tell or show the person when to chew.
  • Demonstrate chewing yourself.
  • Offer small bites and soft foods (e.g., mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs).
  • Avoid tough meats or hard, crunchy foods.

Helping with Swallowing

  • Remind the person to swallow after each bite.
  • Gently stroke the throat downward to encourage swallowing.
  • Check the mouth after each bite to see if food has been swallowed.
  • Offer smaller bites and moistened foods.
  • Avoid foods that are hard to swallow, like dry bread or large pieces of meat.

Consult a Doctor if Choking Problems Develop

  • If you notice coughing, choking, or frequent throat clearing during meals, contact your GP or primary care provider.
  • Ask for a referral to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or swallowing specialist—available through major health systems in Grand Rapids.
  • In an emergency (severe choking or breathing trouble), call 911 immediately.

Overeating and Insatiable Appetite

Not everyone with dementia loses their appetite. Some people may:

  • Overeat
  • Constantly ask for food
  • Eat very quickly
  • Have difficulty feeling full

This can be challenging, especially if the person also has diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease—conditions that are common in Michigan.

Managing Overeating

  • Offer 5–6 small, planned meals each day.
  • Keep low-calorie, healthy snacks available:
    • Apple slices, carrot sticks, cucumber, celery
    • Air-popped popcorn (if safe to chew)
    • Plain rice cakes
  • Lock away or limit access to high-calorie foods if necessary.
  • Leave healthy snacks on the table; this may satisfy the urge to eat without causing weight gain.
  • Consider alternative activities:
    • Short walks
    • Simple games or puzzles
    • Social visits
    • Adult day programs in the Grand Rapids area

Sweet Cravings and Dementia

Many people with dementia develop a strong preference for sweet foods.

Managing Sweet Cravings

  • Review medications with a doctor or pharmacist.
    Some antidepressants and other medications can increase cravings for sweets.
  • Choose sweet foods with nutritional value, such as:
    • Milkshakes or smoothies made with fruit and yogurt
    • Eggnog-style drinks (light versions if needed)
    • Low-sugar puddings
    • Low-calorie ice cream or frozen yogurt
  • Offer fruit (fresh, canned in juice, or frozen) instead of candy or pastries when possible.
  • Use smaller plates and portions to limit total sugar intake.

Eating Difficulties at the Table

As dementia progresses, a person may:

  • Pour juice into soup
  • Eat dessert with a knife
  • Use the wrong utensil
  • Have trouble cutting food

These are signs of difficulty understanding or remembering how to eat.

Practical Strategies

  • Serve finger foods if cutlery is too confusing:
    • Sandwiches
    • Soft vegetables cut into sticks
    • Cheese cubes
    • Chicken strips
    • Soft fruit pieces
  • Simplify the table:
    • One plate, one cup, one utensil (if needed).
    • Remove extra glasses, utensils, and decorations.
  • Ensure good lighting
    • Use bright, even lighting in the dining area, especially during dark winter evenings in Grand Rapids.
  • Keep noise low
    • Avoid loud conversations, TV, or music during meals.

Food Temperature and Safety

Some people with dementia lose the ability to sense when food or drinks are too hot.

  • Always check temperatures before serving.
  • Be careful with hot soups, coffee, and tea.
  • Avoid foam cups; they hold heat for a long time and tip easily.
  • Watch for signs of burns or discomfort.

Spoiled food in the refrigerator, hidden food, or irregular eating patterns can indicate that someone living alone in Grand Rapids may need more support at home.

Preventing Dehydration

Dehydration is a serious risk, especially for older adults in Michigan who may not feel thirsty, or who drink less in winter.

Many people with dementia:

  • Forget to drink
  • Don’t recognize the sensation of thirst
  • Have trouble asking for fluids

How to Encourage Fluids

  • Offer regular drinks of water, milk, juice, or herbal tea throughout the day.
  • Use easy-to-hold cups or mugs.
  • Offer foods with high water content, such as:
    • Soups and broths
    • Gelatin
    • Popsicles (low sugar if needed)
    • Water-rich fruits like melon and oranges
  • Keep a filled water bottle or cup within easy reach and gently remind them to drink.

Contact your doctor or local urgent care if you notice signs of dehydration: dark urine, confusion, dizziness, dry mouth, or reduced urination.

Vitamin Supplements and Medical Advice

Check with the Doctor About Vitamin Supplements

  • Before starting any vitamin or mineral supplement, talk with a Grand Rapids primary care provider or geriatrician.
  • Ask whether your loved one needs:
    • Vitamin D (especially important in Michigan due to limited winter sunlight)
    • Calcium
    • B vitamins
    • Other specific supplements

Never start or stop supplements or medications without medical advice.

Caring for Yourself as a Caregiver

Caring for someone with dementia in Grand Rapids can be emotionally and physically demanding. Your own health and nutrition matter.

  • Aim for a varied, nutritious diet for yourself.
  • Stay hydrated and try to keep regular mealtimes.
  • Ask family, friends, or local services for help with shopping, cooking, or respite care.

Local caregivers in West Michigan can benefit from support groups, education programs, and counseling.

Local Grand Rapids Resources for Dementia Support

If you need more help with dementia and eating issues, consider these resources:

  • Your GP or Primary Care Provider

    • First point of contact for medical concerns, weight loss, choking, or behavior changes.

  • Major Grand Rapids Health Systems

    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – memory care, neurology, nutrition, and speech therapy services.
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
      Ask about memory clinics, geriatric services, nutrition counseling, and speech/swallowing evaluations.

  • Kent County Health Department

    • Offers public health information, community resources, and senior services.
      Website: search “Kent County Health Department Grand Rapids dementia support”.

  • Grand Rapids Public Health / Community Health Centers

    • May provide access to social workers, dietitians, and caregiver support programs.

  • Local Alzheimer’s and Dementia Organizations

    • Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter
      • 24/7 Helpline, education, and support groups (some available in the Grand Rapids area).
    • Local caregiver support groups often meet at hospitals, senior centers, and churches.

  • Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM)

    • Information on in-home support, respite care, meal programs, and caregiver resources.

If you’re unsure where to start, ask your doctor’s office, hospital social worker, or the Kent County Health Department to connect you with dementia and caregiver support in Grand Rapids.

Key Points to Remember

  • Dementia can cause loss of appetite, overeating, sweet cravings, and problems with chewing and swallowing.
  • A calm, simple mealtime environment and familiar foods can make eating easier.
  • Regular fluids are essential to prevent dehydration.
  • Dry mouth, gum disease, and ill-fitting dentures are common and treatable causes of eating problems.
  • Always consult a doctor if you notice significant weight loss, choking, or major changes in eating behavior.
  • Caregivers in Grand Rapids have access to strong local healthcare systems and community resources—use them to support both your loved one and yourself.

By combining medical guidance with practical strategies tailored to life in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you can help your loved one with dementia maintain safer, more enjoyable mealtimes and better overall health.