However, two more subtle signs of cognitive decline may present itself earlier than those do—and you'll notice them in the kitchen.
If you find yourself missing steps in your favorite regular recipes or being more disorganized than usual while preparing dishes, pay attention. A red flag for some dementia patients is difficulty cooking or baking, even when it's something simple or a meal they've made a million times before.
(It's important to note that if you've simply never been the best cook or baker, or if you have outside distractions—be they stress, kids running around the kitchen, the TV on or your phone blowing up—that are taking your attention away from your kitchen tasks, you may not have as much reason to worry!)
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Keeping the kitchen organized so ingredients and tools are easy to find is a great way to free up some mental energy. That said, how you do that will vary based on preferences and needs.
Some people may also see benefit in removing cabinet doors so they can see everything easily, while others might find that visually overwhelming. Figure out what works for you or your loved one. (Sometimes, it can mean having a photo, list or picture on the cabinet door of what's inside.)It may be beneficial to store fewer items in each cabinet or drawer so that all of the contents are more easily visible.Store items with the labels facing up or out so that it's quicker and easier to find specifically what you need at any given time.Keeping counters clear can be helpful in staying on task and focused.If possible, using high-contrast colors for cabinets in relation to the floors and countertop can make finding and storing items easier for patients with cognitive decline.Make sure your kitchen is well-lit.
Good lighting can be a game-changer in terms of successful food prep, from making it easier to read labels to better being able to see when food is browning. Additionally, keeping your oven light on when baking or broiling can help you remember that you have food in there.
Eliminate distractions in the kitchen.
Silence your phone, turn off the TV and request others not interfere unless asked (or if there's an emergency).
If you have a door to your kitchen, put up a sign that says you're cooking. This serves as a reminder to you and others.
Use appliances with automatic start and stop functions.
Label knobs or use childproof knobs to avoid accidentally turning on ones you don't need. Disable burners you're not using.
Use trivets and potholders.
This will keep you from burning yourself or scorching countertops. Leaving these in plain sight near the stove or oven can be helpful.
Write out recipes before cooking.
Copy down the recipes from your recipe cards and cross off each step as you complete it. This will help ensure you don't skip a step or repeat any.
Pre-measure your ingredients and line them up in order of use before you begin cooking or baking. Put each ingredient away after using.
Meal prep and batch cook.
Making lists helps you ensure you get all the good ingredients you need for your favorite foods.
Embrace the microwave.
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Sources
"Cooking with Dementia." National Council for Dementia Minds."Early-Onset Alzheimer's disease." Johns Hopkins Medicine."Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease." Alzheimer's Society. Read More Details
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