June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder affecting the brain. Because of this, there can be a decline in one's mental abilities, accompanied by memory loss and can result in behavioral changes. If you know someone with this disease and are thinking about taking them a meal to support both them as well as their caregiver, here are a few simple tips I've learned along the way.

Regardless of the stage the disease is in, offer to bring a meal and to stay with the recipients while they enjoy it. Your presence can be comforting and also help them to remember to eat. It also might give their caregiver a much needed moment of respite.

If you are taking a meal with disposable plates and cutlery, consider bringing white plates as they will make each item of food starkly contrasted and noticeable. In reading about Alzheimers, I discovered that patterned dishes may cause extra anxiety for the individual and simple white plates or bowls are best. Consider sending spoons along as opposed to forks! Be sure to ask if disposable items like this are needed before bringing them along.

Serve finger foods that your loved one can independently grab themselves. Foods like chicken nuggets, fish sticks, steamed broccoli florets and orange segments are a few good finger food options. Here is a recipe for healthy chicken nuggets that look delicious!

Lastly, make sure to bring foods that are easy to chew or swallow. If you are bringing a serving meant for one or two people, perhaps taking them several small meal options would be a gesture of thoughtfulness and kindness.

Someone suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's may have other special dietary needs. Here are a few healthy meal options from our recipe section.

I hope this gives you ideas when considering taking a meal to someone with Alzheimer's or Dementia! To see more resources for Alzheimer's support, please visit the Alzheimer's Association website by clicking here.

Thank you to all our meal takers and we hope if you find you are taking a meal to someone suffering from memory loss, you'll enjoy sitting with them too.