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

62 Food Type Why it’s challenging to Swallow Examples Recommendations Sticky These foods can stick to the palate. • Chewy candies • Sliced bread • Chewing gum Replace sweet foods with other options like mousse or flan. Use other types of bread, such as hot dog buns or hamburger buns. Fibrous These foods require more effort to chew. • Celery, asparagus, and raw or “al dente” broccoli • Legumes with skins Cook vegetables longer so they are softer. Remove the skins from legumes—present legumes as purees or blended. Small and Round These foods can cause choking by blocking the airway. • Grapes or other fruits with pits, like cherries or apricots • Nuts • Cherry tomatoes • Hard candies Cut or grind small, round foods. Avoid hard candies. Dual Textures (liquids and solids) These foods create sensory confusion, making it harder to coordinate muscle movements. • Stews or soups • Yogurt with oats and cereal • Ice cream with fruit or chocolate pieces Separate foods so the person can eat each texture individually.