Dementia and swallowing problems
Eating and Drinking Difficulties
Dementia can make eating, drinking, and swallowing harder for some people. Common problems include:
- Not recognising food, drinks, or cutlery
- Holding food in the mouth without chewing or swallowing
- Spitting out food
- Eating too fast or taking large bites
- Refusing food or eating very little
- Talking with food in the mouth and forgetting to swallow
- Trouble swallowing tablets
- Dribbling
Other signs of swallowing difficulties include:
- Problems chewing or moving food to the back of the mouth
- A wet or gurgly voice after swallowing
- Coughing during or after eating or drinking
- Chest infections or sounding chesty
Important:
Only change food textures (like making it softer or more liquid) if really needed and always get advice from a healthcare professional.
If you’re worried someone is having trouble swallowing, contact their GP or our speech and language therapists.
Before Mealtimes – Check the following:
- Glasses and hearing aids are working and comfortable
- Dentures fit well
- Mouth and teeth are clean
- The person has used the toilet
- Food and drink are the right temperature
- Find out what foods the person likes or dislikes
- Only offer food when they are alert
- Make sure they’re sitting upright during and after eating
Helping Someone Eat and Drink:
- Sit where they can see you clearly – usually in front or to their stronger side
- Make eye contact and speak gently
- Be patient – don’t rush them
- Help with the first bite if needed, then encourage them to eat on their own
- Talk about the food and remind them to chew and swallow
- If they hold food in their mouth, gently remind or show them how to swallow
- Sometimes offering an empty spoon or cup can help them swallow
- Give them enough time to swallow before offering more food
- Avoid cups that make them tilt their head back
- If they spit out lumps, try smoother foods and talk to a speech and language therapist
Supervising mealtimes:
- Keep the room calm and quiet
- Cut food into small pieces (away from their view)
- Make sure the plate, cutlery, and food are clearly visible
- Don’t mix all the food together – keep it separate
- Serve one part of the meal at a time
- If they’re putting too much food in their mouth, gently ask them to slow down and put the food or utensils down
