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The Benefits of Cooking with Alzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Guide

Cooking With Alzheimer's/

In many advice columns and informational resources for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, you’re likely to find recommendations that suggest unplugging the stove. There’s solid reasoning behind this advice: Some people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease may begin to cook but lose track of what they’re doing partway through the process. When the stove is forgotten, the results can be disastrous.

So while there’s a valid safety reason behind preventing loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease from inadvertently putting themselves in harm’s way by cooking alone, there are an abundance of valid reasons why cooking can be a beneficial activity for people who have Alzheimer’s disease – all the better when it means spending quality time with someone they care about.

We’ve put together this comprehensive guide encompassing the cognitive, emotional, and other health-related benefits of cooking for people with Alzheimer’s disease, how to create a safe environment for cooking and baking, ways caregivers can assist to make the activity enjoyable, and addressing eating challenges that may arise among individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Elderly Woman Cooking in the Kitchen.

What You’ll Find in This Guide:

Cognitive and Health Benefits of Cooking with Alzheimer’s

The following resources offer information on the cognitive and other health benefits of cooking with Alzheimer’s and the positive effects of being able to continue participating in activities that were once enjoyable.

Senior Couple Cooking.

Emotional Benefits of Cooking with Alzheimer’s

The following resources provide information on the emotional benefits of cooking with Alzheimer’s, such as facilitating positive personal interactions, the ability for familiar routines to stir memories, and the ability to maintain a sense of self-worth and independence.

Elderly Woman.

How to Make Cooking a Safe and Enjoyable Experience for Someone with Alzheimer’s

Cooking offers many benefits for people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, yet it can also be a dangerous activity if the person experiences certain symptoms of the disease and participates in cooking activities without proper supervision and preparation. The following resources offer guidance on creating a safe atmosphere for people with Alzheimer’s disease to enjoy the experience of cooking and baking.

Wooden Kitchen Utensils.

Eating with Alzheimer’s: Tips and Tricks for Overcoming Eating Challenges

Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease often brings with it several challenges related to eating and nutrition. A change in the senses of taste and smell, for instance, can make certain foods seem less appetizing. Likewise, other challenges, such as difficulty using utensils or swallowing and chewing problems can lead to eating challenges. The following resources offer information on the eating-related challenges that may arise and provide tips for coping.

Peasant's Dinner.

One of the primary concerns for Alzheimer’s caregivers is ensuring the safety of their loved one, but this doesn’t have to mean excluding beloved activities, especially cooking. By implementing the advice in this guide, creating family meals can be a safe and beneficial way for caregivers to share some quality time, as well as delicious recipes, with their beloved friend or family member.

Posted by Brad | in food | 7 Comments »

7 Comments on “The Benefits of Cooking with Alzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Guide”

  1. Jilll Anthony Says:

    Outstanding and informative. Isolation is common as some

    my clients who are propped to a tv

  2. Jilll Anthony Says:

    And. Then to stimulate them to an activity is sometimes challenging.Nutrition suggestions and intetactive cooking is awesome!

  3. Cheryl Sihoe Says:

    Hi there,
    This looks like a fantastic resource and I’d love to receive a copy for professional resource as an occupational therapist who works with seniors with cognitive impairment at Royal Jubilee Hospital Memorial Pavilion, Seniors Outpatient Clinic, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC Canada V8R 1J8. This would also be great to use for my own life as a daughter with a mom who no longer cooks due to the same condition. Recently read the article about Paula Wolfert in Cooking Light so was delighted to find this when searching for tips on cooking with dementia. Thanks!

  4. Linda Baker Says:

    I have a non-profit called “Cooking Up Love” in which we do a cooking class with memory care residents that stimulates the 5 senses.

  5. James Watson Says:

    How do I obtain a copy? I looked on Amazon and could not find this publication.

  6. seriagrad gorrm Says:

    it is very important to take care of our parents and other elderly people. We will all be old too

  7. Useful Links – National Retiree Legislative Network Says:

    […] The Benefits of Cooking with Alzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Guide […]

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