List of Finger Foods for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients

When sitting down for a meal, people with dementia may encounter many challenges. Eating and drinking are typical difficulties in middle and late-stage dementia. Dementia patients may also have trouble using knives and forks. People with dementia may find this frustrating and embarrassing. It can be confusing when it comes to condiments, such as putting sugar in the main meal and salt in the dessert. Carers often need to redirect the individual back to the task or the dining table after distractions. However, people can prolong their independence and eat more frequently by substituting finger foods for traditional meals. Finger food can be eaten quickly, without cutlery, holds its shape when picked up, and requires minimal chewing. Here you can find an easy-to-make list of finger foods for dementia patients and finger foods for Alzheimer’s. Also, you will learn more about the supplements to prevent dementia.

What Are Finger Foods?

Finger foods are easy to eat without utensils and with just one hand. Typically, finger foods have a regular texture (crunchy or soft) and are adapted for smooth surfaces, which are soft foods that are easy to chew.

The Benefits of Finger Foods for Alzheimer’s Patients

A person with Alzheimer’s can benefit from finger foods in a variety of ways:

• An increase in food intake at meals and snacks
• Food acceptance improves
• Enhancing eating independence
• Honouring food preferences
• Suitable for people who move around a lot or who find it challenging to sit at the table for an extended period

Clues that a Person Might Benefit from Finger Foods:

The key to improving nutrition is observing behaviour and preferences at mealtime. Therefore, observe if any of these clues are becoming a pattern, and you may want to try finger foods for dementia and Alzheimer’s  patients.

• Shakiness or difficulty grasping utensils

The ability to effectively use utensils is frequently lost in people with dementia.  As a result, they might have trouble grasping a spoon or fork or lose coordination in bringing food to their mouths. 

• Having trouble using a fork or spoon

People with dementia may have difficulty picking up utensils, loading them with food, and eating with them. People can feed themselves without distractions or confusion when they eat with their fingers. Moreover, some people may resist feeding assistance, so handheld foods are even more crucial.

• Prefers Handheld Foods

The best way to find a solution for someone who eats poorly is to observe them at mealtime. People who prefer finger foods might be eating handheld foods quickly and are more interested in those on their plates.

• Picking up food with fingers frequently

People who frequently pick up foods with their hands would likely benefit from finger foods! Those with dementia may try to pick up foods usually eaten with utensils, such as mashed potatoes. So, this is a loud-and-clear signal to change to finger food options.

 

List of Finger Foods for Dementia Patients

Without further ado, here are the best finger foods for dementia patients. You can use this list to provide variety and a balance of nutrients throughout the day.

Grains and Starches Finger Foods

• Bagels – mini or regular cut-in pieces
• Jam-filled biscuits
• Cereal bars – soft
• Crackers
• Croissant
• English muffin
• French toast sticks
• Fries
• Granola bars – soft or chewy, not crumbly
• Mini cinnamon rolls, donuts and muffins
• New potatoes – halved
• Pancakes – plain or with syrup to dip
• Pasta – plain or with sauce to dip
• Potato wedges
• Pretzel bites
• Ravioli – plain or with sauce to dip
• Sweet potato fries
• Tater tots
• Toast – quarters or strips
• Waffles – mini or cut into strips or pieces

Fruits and Veggies

• Applesauce in a mug
• Apple slices or other fruit with peel
• Broccoli-cheese tots
• Cooked carrot slices
• Fruit smoothie
• Steamed green beans

Dairy Finger Foods

• Cheese cubes
• Cheese – slices or rolled
• Milk – white or chocolate
• Milkshake
• Smoothie – made with yogurt
• String cheese
• Yogurt tube
• Yogurt – drinkable
• Kefir drink

Dessert Finger Foods

• Brownie – mini bites or squares
• Cookies – mini or regular
• Ice cream bar, cone or sandwich
• Milkshake
• Mini cinnamon roll and donut
• Popsicle
• Pound cake – strips/cubes
• Smoothie

Supplements to Prevent Dementia

Vitamin B complex

When looking at vitamin B complexes, it’s important to realize they are not just one vitamin but a group of vitamins. The B complex includes vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12.

The combination of B6 and B12 is one of the best compounds for slowing down dementia’s effects. However, the deficiency of these vitamins has been shown to activate memory-deteriorating genes. According to recent research in nutrigenetics, which examines how nutrition influences gene expression, supplemental intake of these nutrients may aid in repressing cognitive decline.

Vitamin C

The benefits of vitamin C go beyond fighting colds. Dementia research has shown that vitamin C is also neuroprotective. Moreover, a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease suggests that consuming more vitamin C may reduce dementia risk.

Vitamin D

As reported in Neurology, a prominent neuroscience journal, vitamin D deficiency increases dementia risk. Ensure you are getting enough vitamin D – which supports memory and promotes well-being – to counteract this risky deficiency.

Magnesium

Mineral magnesium plays a vital role in the nervous system and body function. As well as improving dementia symptoms, this mineral can reduce anxiety and increase sleep quality. Many nutrients contain magnesium, including dark green leafy vegetables, almonds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, etc.

Probiotics Supplements

Probiotics are a group of microbes that play an essential role in the human body. In addition to aiding nutrient absorption, these microbes also aid in digestion. Clinical research indicates that this affects cognitive health and helps with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Probiotics are found in yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, sourdough bread, and some cheeses.

Zinc

Among the most abundant trace metals in the brain is zinc, which has both health-promoting and disease-preventing properties. Zinc is essential for the proper functioning of the body and the brain. However, zinc levels are generally low in older adults, especially those with Alzheimer’s. By taking a zinc supplement daily, it is possible to improve cognitive function and memory.

Read more about the supplements and vitamins to prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Final Words

As previously mentioned, one of the caregivers’ most significant challenges when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is getting them to eat. Alzheimer’s can lead to an unhealthy amount of weight loss. However, you can simplify mealtimes by taking a few steps. Creating a distraction-free environment is one way to do this. Another way is to Set the table with dinnerware and placemats in contrasting colours. So, it makes distinguishing food on the plate easier. Last but not least is to serve healthy finger foods for your dementia patients. Finger foods for Alzheimer’s patients are easy to consume independently, even while roaming around the house. The lists above are some of the best and easy-to-make finger foods you can make for your dementia patients.