This morning my caregiver mentioned that Dad was confused more than usual. On this particular day, he got out of bed, picked up his slippers, and attempted to leave our home. Then she said, “It only took two bites of a banana, and he was back to his more usual self.” Dad likes bananas now more than ever. In fact, anything sweet or salty are typical for this stage of dementia.
I keep bananas in the house and give Dad one every morning to start breakfast. For as long as I can remember, Dad has eaten a banana first thing every morning. Afterwards he would do a few chores and a few hours later sit down for breakfast.
Bananas are an excellent food choice for loved ones with dementia. The fruit is portable, palatable, and loaded with potassium which helps regulate fluids and is important for muscle function. It also provides magnesium, vitamins B6 and C, manganese, and fiber. Depending on the ripeness of the banana, it can also help with gut health.
Dad has dysphagia and the banana is easy to chew and swallow. Years ago, I gave him a whole banana to peel and enjoy. When he started to wrap the peel up inside out and get banana all over his hands, I decided to peel it, cut it up, and put it on a plate for him to eat with his adaptive fork.
Sugar can cause increased delusions for Dad, so bananas and other fruit provide a natural sweet option with less complications. Sometimes I make banana walnut muffins for him with the overly ripe bananas. Bananas are perfect for smoothies too.
While Dad enjoys the flavor of bananas, more importantly, there is a routine and visual familiarity surrounding the fruit that helps him find reality in spite of the effects of his Lewy Body Dementia. I’m grateful for the insights of our caregiver, and for the health, enjoyment, and comfort bananas bring to Dad.