Dementia can cause unusual behaviors that may seem puzzling or concerning to family members. If you’ve noticed your mother with dementia pouring her drink into her food, there are a few potential explanations for this behavior.
As dementia progresses, it affects areas of the brain responsible for judgment, reasoning, and visual perception. Your mother may be experiencing confusion about the purpose of her drink and food. She might not recognize the drink as something separate from her meal. In her mind, combining the two may seem logical or normal.
Sometimes, people with dementia struggle to understand the proper use of utensils or containers. Your mother might be unsure how to drink from a cup, so pouring the liquid onto her food feels like an easier way to consume it. This could be her attempt to problem-solve and get the nutrition she needs, even if the method seems strange to others.
Dementia can also impact a person’s sense of taste and their ability to recognize thirst cues. Your mother may be trying to add moisture to dry food to make it easier to eat. Or she might be attempting to enhance the flavor of her meal by adding her drink to it.
In some cases, this behavior could stem from past experiences or habits. Perhaps your mother used to enjoy certain foods with liquid added, like cereal with milk. Her dementia-affected brain may be confusing current meals with those familiar eating patterns.
It’s important to approach this situation with patience and understanding. While it may be tempting to correct your mother or stop her from mixing her drink and food, doing so could cause frustration or distress. Instead, try adapting her meals to make eating and drinking easier. You might use bowls instead of plates, provide thicker liquids that are easier to manage, or offer foods with higher moisture content.
If you’re concerned about your mother getting proper nutrition or hydration, consult with her doctor or a dementia care specialist. They can offer personalized advice and strategies to ensure she’s meeting her dietary needs safely.
Remember, unusual eating and drinking behaviors are common in dementia. Your mother isn’t doing this to be difficult – it’s a result of how the disease affects her brain. Providing a supportive, calm environment during mealtimes can help make eating and drinking more comfortable for her.
