In the initial phase of the disease, the patient is able to prepare meals alone or under the supervision of a carer. The final part of phase two and phase three is the period of the disease when the person with Alzheimer's disease is not able to prepare meals alone or even with the help of others. Very often he or she does not remember them either.

Meals must be served regularly, usually at the same time, be nutritious, high in vitamins and trace elements and varied. Meals should be different every day. It is important that the caregiver himself controls the times at which the food is served. There are situations in which the person wants another meal immediately afterwards, or does not want to eat because he or she claims to have just eaten, which is not true.

It is also very important for the patient to drink plenty of fluids. These should be given in convenient, easy-to-clean, lightweight cups with a spout. Meals are adapted to the patient's condition and any other illnesses that accompany Alzheimer's disease. The person with Alzheimer's should never be refused if he or she wants to help prepare meals or tries to eat alone with hands rather than cutlery.

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During this time, the patient can be reminded of the names of particular foods and the utensils used. As the illness progresses, the patient will stop using glasses, plates and cutlery when eating, will start eating with his hands or will use plastic cups, plates and cutlery. It is also a good idea to buy placemats that prevent slipping and are easy to wipe up if something is spilled. Food should always be eaten with the sick person at the same time of day. When eating, the Alzheimer's patient should not be distracted (e.g. by the TV playing, the radio or other people talking).