Tool Kit. Strategies to facilitate eating and swallowing in people living with early-stage dementia

14 PRINCIPLE 2: Effective Communication Effective communication and validation of the person living with dementia are crucial when psychological and behavioral symptoms affect mealtimes. Symptoms such as irritability, agitation and distress can lead to food refusal, inappropriate behaviors during meals, or stressful situations for both the person living with dementia and their caregiver. ¿Which dessert do you prefer, cookies or cake?