Hello, dear friends.
This is Dr. Charles from Patientcarelinks, where we share practical health lessons to help you live a healthier and happier life.
Many families caring for someone with dementia ask:
“Why is my loved one more confused or restless on some days than others?”
The answer may surprise you.
Sometimes, it’s not just the dementia itself.
Sometimes, it’s what or when they eat.
Food Does More Than Fill the Stomach
The brain needs a constant supply of nutrients to work properly.
It depends on:
Steady energy from healthy carbohydrates
Protein to make important brain chemicals
Healthy fats to protect brain cells
Vitamins and minerals to keep nerves functioning well
When these nutrients are lacking, a person may become:
More forgetful
More irritable
Restless or agitated
Tired or withdrawn
More confused than usual
For someone living with dementia, good nutrition can help support clearer thinking and a calmer mood.
Build a Brain-Friendly Plate
You do not need expensive foods or special diets.
A simple balanced meal can make a big difference.
Try to include:
Healthy Carbohydrates
Choose foods that release energy slowly, such as:
Brown rice
Oats
Millet
Sweet potatoes
Boiled yam
Unripe plantain
These help keep energy levels steady and reduce sudden mental “crashes.”
Protein
Protein helps the brain produce chemicals involved in memory and mood.
Good choices include:
Eggs
Fish
Beans
Lentils
Soy products
Lean chicken
Try to include some protein with every main meal.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats help protect brain cells.
Choose foods like:
Avocado
Groundnuts
Seeds
Small amounts of healthy cooking oils
Keep Blood Sugar Stable
People with dementia especially those who also have diabetes can become confused or irritable when blood sugar rises or falls too quickly.
To help keep blood sugar steady:
Eat meals at regular times
Avoid skipping meals
Limit sugary drinks and sweets
Combine carbohydrates with protein whenever possible
Steady blood sugar often means steadier mood and thinking.
Foods That May Support Brain Health
Certain foods provide nutrients that help protect the brain.
These include:
Oily fish such as sardines and mackerel
Green leafy vegetables like kontomire and spinach
Fruits such as oranges and pawpaw
Eggs
Beans and lentils
Whole grains
Eating a variety of these foods regularly supports overall brain health.
Don’t Forget Water
Many older adults forget to drink enough fluids.
Even mild dehydration can make dementia symptoms worse and lead to:
Confusion
Fatigue
Irritability
Dizziness
Offer water regularly throughout the day, even if the person does not ask for it.
Light soups and other healthy fluids can also help.
What If They Don’t Feel Like Eating?
Some people with dementia lose their appetite or forget to eat.
In that case:
Offer smaller meals more often
Choose soft, easy-to-eat foods
Serve familiar family meals they enjoy
Encourage eating in a calm, relaxed setting
The goal is steady nourishment, not large portions.
Evening Restlessness May Be Linked to Hunger
Some people with dementia become more confused or agitated in the evening.
This may happen if they have gone many hours without eating.
A light evening snack may help, such as:
Oats porridge with milk
Whole-grain bread with peanut butter
Boiled sweet potato with egg
Yogurt with fruit
These snacks provide gentle energy before bedtime and may help reduce nighttime restlessness.
Final Thoughts
Food cannot cure dementia, but it can play an important role in helping people think more clearly, maintain their strength, and stay calmer throughout the day.
Remember:
Eat balanced meals.
Drink enough water.
Avoid skipping meals.
Include protein every day.
Choose nourishing foods instead of sugary snacks.
Small, consistent changes at the dining table can make a meaningful difference in comfort, mood, and quality of life.
Patientcarelinks
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +233 20 872 0347