List of Finger Foods for Dementia Patients

Eight million new cases of dementia are diagnosed each year (1). Treatment is directed towards symptoms, since there is no cure for dementia. 

Dementia progression can negatively impact nutritional status and result in unintentional weight loss. Feeding ability can be impacted, so finger foods may help promote intake.   

Finger Foods for Dementia Patients

As dementia progresses, self feeding can become more difficult. Dementia patients may forget how to use utensils. Some may be resistant to feeding assistance. 

Here is a list of finger foods for dementia patients:

1. Chicken strips or nuggets
2. Fishsticks 
3. Deli sandwich
4. Plantains
5. Banana
6. Cheese sticks
7. Pizza
8. Quiche
9. Chicken legs 
10. Boiled egg
11. Hamburger
12. Sausage links or patties 
13. French fries
14. Grilled cheese
15. Fruit slices
16. Berries
17. Breadsticks
18. Onion rings
19. Meatballs
20. Muffins
21. Cookies
22. Cereal bars
23. Biscuits
24. Bagels 
25. Potato wedges
26. French toast sticks
27. Baby carrots
28. Sliders
29. Drinkable yogurt
30. Quesadillas
31. Kebabs
32. Brownies
33. Doughnuts
34. Crackers
35. Plain noodles
36. Peanut butter toast
37. Breakfast sandwich
38. Wraps
39. Mini pancakes 

Tips for Finger Friendly Meals

Since not all foods are finger foods there are some strategies that can be used to make meals easier to eat for dementia patients.

• Add meats to bread or roll to make entrees into sandwiches
• Slice food into bite sized pieces
• Put soup in a mug for drinking
• Serve sauces and dips on the side
• Drain foods for easier pick up
• Give meal items in individual bowls 

Dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) can occur during dementia, so easier to chew and swallow foods may be necessary when choosing finger foods. Check out dysphagia diet basics to learn more. 

Final Thoughts

Dementia has many nutritional implications, including malnutrition and difficulty self feeding. Incorporating finger foods can be an easy way to increase intake in dementia patients.