Limit Distractions: Serve meals in a quiet environment, away from the television and other stimuli.

Keep the Table Setting Simple: Avoid centerpieces or other table items that might take focus away from the meal itself. Use only the dishes, flatware and serving pieces that are actually needed.

Check Food Temperature: People with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are sometimes unable to tell if foods are too hot to eat or drink. Be sure to test the temperature before serving anything.

Serve Only One Food at a Time: Your loved one might become overwhelmed if too many foods are served at once. Simplify by serving just one or two at a time.

Be Flexible About Food Preferences: You should always serve the foods that you know your loved one prefers. But keep in mind that many people with Alzheimer’s and dementia develop new preferences or may suddenly come to dislike their once-favorite items.

Allow Plenty of Time to Eat: Older people – especially those suffering from cognitive decline – may need an hour or more to finish a meal. Never rush your loved one, and remind them to chew or swallow frequently.

Meals Should be a Social Event: Research suggests most people eat better in the company of others, so share meals with your loved one and ensure mealtimes are enjoyable.

Respect personal, cultural and religious food preferences: For example, serve tortillas instead of bread, or avoid pork if their religious beliefs prohibit its consumption.

Keep to a Routine: If your loved one is used to eating meals at a specific time, stick to that schedule. Serve in a consistent manner and familiar locale whenever possible.

Regular Exercise Stimulates Appetite: Make an effort to incorporate simple physical activity into your loved one’s daily routine, such as going for a walk, gardening or washing dishes.  

Don’t Ignore Dental Health: Regular dental appointments and properly fitting dentures can lead to big improvements in appetite.

Be Extra Vigilant After a Medication Change: Inform your loved one’s doctor if their appetite appears to decline after a change in medication or dosage.

Encourage Independence: Use easy-to-handle utensils, bendable straws, and consider serving bite-size pieces of food that can be easily picked up. Let your loved one feed themselves as much as possible, and don’t get hung up on neatness.

Limit Foods High in Saturated Fats and Cholesterol: Remember, not all fats are equal. Limit the use of solid fats like butter and avoid fatty cuts of meat. Focus instead on lean proteins — think chicken and fish – as well as olive oil and other heart-healthy fats.

Cut Down on Refined Sugar: Avoid processed foods in favor of healthier options, such as fruit or juice-sweetened baked goods. But be flexible, as adding a little sugar may encourage eating in the middle or late stages of Alzheimer’s when diminished appetite can become a problem.

Limit High-Sodium Foods and Cut Back on Salt: Experiment with seasonings and herbs to increase flavor without adding salt.

Keep Your Loved One Hydrated: Provide small cups of water or other liquids throughout the day, and offer fruits, soups, smoothies and other foods with high water content.