A healthy, balanced diet will help to keep the person with dementia in good physical health.
It will reduce the risk of developing or worsening conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke, which may have a negative effect on their symptoms. It will also help them maintain a healthy weight.
For most people, a healthy diet includes:
- fruit and vegetables – aim for at least five portions a day
- starchy food like bread, rice, pasta and potatoes – these should make up around a third of your daily diet
- meat/meat substitutes and other sources of protein, eg lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and pulses, and vegetarian/vegan alternatives. Try to limit processed meat like sausages, bacon and ham
- dairy or dairy alternatives, eg milk, cheese, yoghurt, fromage frais, soya milk
- small amounts of fats, oils and spreads – ideally unsaturated versions such as vegetable, sunflower or olive oil
Food and drinks that are high in fat, sugar or salt – such as crisps, cakes, sweets, biscuits, butter, ice cream and sugary soft drinks – should be consumed less often and in smaller amounts.
The NHS Eatwell Guide is a helpful tool for following a healthy diet, and you can also read our guide to eating and drinking for people with dementia.
The person should aim to drink 1.5 litres of fluid a day (about six to eight glasses) – this can include water, tea, coffee, squash, fruit juice and milk. If they struggle to drink enough, our information on good hydration may help.
Alcohol should be kept to a minimum – there are many good alternatives, including low-or zero-alcohol wine, beer and spirits, and mocktails. For advice on drinking safely, please visit Drinkaware.