Dementia symptoms: Not hungry? 8 ways to boost a poor appetite from dementia

Experiment with distractions

Sometimes focussing on the task at hand is important if you want the person to eat their food.

Jane said: “While the person is focusing on swallowing or getting the food from fork to mouth, it helps not to have the radio or the TV on to distract them.”

However, if you’re finding that the person you’re looking after is getting frustrated at not being able to eat when the sole focus is on doing so, distraction could actually help.

Jane said: “Sitting in front of the TV with a plate of something easy to nibble, such as sandwiches or cut-up soft fruits, could mean they eat while being distracted by the programme, so experiment with both scenarios.”

Wait for a better time

If they’re drowsy and not very responsive, feeding can cause choking – so try to leave a bit of time before you try again.

Jane said: “Do seek advice if they’re overly drowsy, as it could be that a change in some of the medication they’re taking could give you a better window of opportunity for helping them to eat.

“Try not to make mealtimes a battleground and instead offer a nutrient and calorie-rich therapeutic drink as an alternative, such as Nourish by Jane Clarke meal replacement drinks.

“Containing 26 essential vitamins and minerals, 12 grams of protein and 4 hours of slow-releasing carbohydrates, these nutritious drinks are ideal for anybody facing physical and psychological eating difficulties due to illnesses such as dementia.”