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Cooking with Dementia

We are pleased to share some of our tips to create “A Recipe for Success in the Kitchen.” One or more of us has found each of these tips helpful and we hope that you do too. Maybe one of our ideas will help you generate an idea of your own that helps you continue to experience success in the kitchen.

Dementia Minds is also proud to be project partners in the development of “Cooking Our Way: A Cookbook By and For People Living with Dementia.”

Click here to watch our video discussion
Click here for a PDF copy of the cookbook
Click here to order a print copy of the cookbook

Optimizing the Kitchen Environment

  • Supporting a person living with dementia is highly individualized, including optimizing the kitchen environment. For example, removing doors from kitchen cupboards so that items are easily seen may be helpful for one person while Another person will find seeing all the items overstimulating.
  • Make sure you have optimal lighting.
  • Have contrasting colors of flooring and cabinetry.
  • Have fewer items in each kitchen drawer and cabinet.
  • Do not overstock cupboards, pantry, or refrigerator.
  • Declutter your countertops.
  • There is a place for everything and keep everything in its place. Do not rearrange food items, dishes, etc.
  • Put spices in a drawer and make sure the label is facing up.


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