How can staff help a patient with dementia who forgets to swallow?

Verbal cues during meals can significantly assist individuals with dementia who may struggle with the cognitive process of swallowing. When staff members provide gentle reminders to swallow, it can help re-engage the individual's focus on the act of eating, which they may forget due to cognitive decline. This approach promotes a more mindful eating experience, allowing the individual to manage their eating and swallowing more effectively.

Serving larger bites, solely providing liquid diets, or encouraging private eating may not address the fundamental issue of the patient forgetting to swallow. Larger bites can pose a choking hazard and may overwhelm the patient, while liquid diets may not be suitable for everyone and do not encourage the use of different textures that are important for maintaining swallowing skills. Eating in private can lead to isolation, which may not be beneficial; social interaction during meals is often important for overall well-being, especially in dementia care.