A Guide to Cooking with Alzheimer’s Disease

May 24, 2016 |

A Comprehensive Guide for Caregiver’s: Cooking with Alzheimer’s Disease

Paula Wolfert is an American author of nine books on cooking and the winner of five James Beard awards. She is also an Alzheimer’s activist. In late 2013, Paula announced that she had been diagnosed with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment), an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease. She talks openly about how it has changed her life and her ability to cook.

“Some things I can still smell, like rosemary. I can’t smell roses. I can’t smell smoke. But I am still so focused.”

Cooking is among the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Caregivers typically have to play an increasingly larger role in aiding with these activities as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. By remaining active and continuing to do the things they once enjoyed, people with Alzheimer’s disease are often able to maintain their skills and independence longer. 

“I try to cook something every few days, like practicing a musical instrument”

When it comes to cooking, Paula may have an advantage. There are many cognitive, emotional, and other health-related benefits of cooking for people with Alzheimer’s disease. The writers at culinaryschools.org put together a comprehensive guide encompassing the benefits of cooking for people with Alzheimer’s disease, creating a safe environment, and making it enjoyable.