1. Improve eating and prevent weight loss

In the late stages of dementia, a person living with dementia may experience difficulty chewing and swallowing. Reduced abilities to smell, taste and see may also happen due to ageing and dementia. These can have a negative impact on the person’s health. Depression and changes in eating patterns may also impair eating and digestion.

Let’s look at an example

Chiu has been living with dementia for 9 years and is cared for by her daughter, Ling. Recently, Ling notices that her mother sleeps during the day and is very difficult to wake and assist with her meals during the normal mealtimes. Ling believes that her mother is not hungry and does not want to disturb her sleep. A recent check-up showed that Chiu has lost 2.5 kg since the last check-up 5 weeks ago (5% of her body weight).