Cooking with Dementia
This page shares tips and strategies to support reading while living with dementia, across a variety of formats including novels, cookbooks, everyday forms, and more. All content has been created by persons living with dementia, offering practical ideas grounded in real experience.
Audiobooks
“Using audiobooks takes the stress away from changing pages and having to worry about the font size.” – Dr. Gary Schmidt
- Audiobooks allow me to slow down the reading speed.
- I like that I can adjust the intensity of the lighting.
- I can set the device down and not have to worry about changing pages.
- Hoopla allows you to read books for free.
Books and Magazines
“I prefer reading short stories or magazines because they are easier to follow along. Once I’m done, I will have a conversation about it.” Steven Barbieri
- Large font is important.
- Larger line spacing makes it easier to follow along.
- It is important for print to be black with white pages so words are easily read.
- Reading flash fiction storylines are easy for me to follow.
- Re-reading books can be enjoyable and easier to finish.
- I use a highlighter to focus on important words.
- I use a ruler to track the line I’m reading.
- Find a simple young adult novel in the genre you prefer. I find the storylines easier to follow.
- Large font is important.
- Larger line spacing makes it easier to follow along.
- It is important for print to be black with white pages so words are easily read.
- Reading flash fiction storylines are easy for me to follow.
- Re-reading books can be enjoyable and easier to finish.
- I use a highlighter to focus on important words.
- I use a ruler to track the line I’m reading.
- Find a simple young adult novel in the genre you prefer. I find the storylines easier to follow.
Cookbooks
“It is important for me to re-write directions to a recipe, so I am able to complete the instructions in a way that works best for me.” Monica Downer
- If I’m needing a recipe, I’ll re-write it in a way I’ll remember.
- Several of us have contributed to the cookbook, “Cooking Our Way: A Cookbook By and For People Living with Dementia.”
Click here to order a print copy of the cookbook.
Click here to order a print copy of the cookbook.
Environment
“I have to have adequate light. So if I’m reading from bed, I have to have a headlamp so the light is shining directly on what I’m reading.” – Libby Ford
- I’ve found optimal lighting is important.
- I have to have it very quiet while reading with no distractions.
- Wearing headphones helps to drown out other noise.
- I find a private space to read.
Forms
“Additional support with filling out forms is important to make sure all information is going in the correct spots.” - Mona Moore
- Forms that indicate if the text should be entered above or below the line are the easiest ones for me to complete.
- I have set up my computer with a voice-to-text program that I use to fill out forms.
Songbooks
“Large font is important for me while reading my songbook so I can continue to do what I love.” – Mark Roberts
- My choir director is great. She copies the music in large print for me. Then I highlight important parts of the music.
