Eating and Drinking

The changes in ability to eat and drink represent one of the most difficult challenges that caregivers have to deal with.

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Why This Happens

It is important to understand that people stop eating during the last stages of dementia.
The inability, the lack of desire to take anything by mouth, is part of the natural course of this disease
It is understandable that the family of patients dying with dementia are concerned and anxious about their loved ones not eating or drinking
Over many years of research, we have learned that when eating and drinking stop at this stage, it is usually not associated with hunger or suffering in the way we might expect
It is the body's natural process of slowing down

The body is no longer able to process food and fluids
Food may cause nausea and vomiting
Liquid can enter the lungs (aspiration) causing distress or infection
Excess fluids can lead to swelling or difficulty breathing
Trying to push food or fluids when the body is shutting down can increase discomfort