Cooking with Dementia: Simple Strategies for Confidence,
Safety, and Success

Practical, real-life tips from someone living and cooking with dementia

Cooking with dementia is absolutely possible—but it requires intention, preparation, and the
right systems in place. The difference between frustration and success often comes down to how well your kitchen and your process support you.

For me, everything starts with preparation and organization. Before I ever turn on the stove, I
make sure my kitchen is set up in a way that works with my brain, not against it.

I’ll be honest—I used to be very disorganized in the kitchen. I didn’t enjoy cooking, and I
certainly didn’t take the time to organize things. But when I began challenges with dementia, I
quickly realized how essential an organized kitchen is. The way things are arranged can make the difference between confidence and confusion.

For example, I now store all of my Kitchen Pantry Staples in clear plastic containers. Flour
goes into a clear container labeled not only with the word “flour,” but also with a picture of the
brand I use—Gold Medal flour. That way, when I return from the grocery store, I can match both the word and the image to be sure I’m putting the right item in the right place.

Labeling is key. Each container should have both a word and a visual cue. I also arrange items in
a way that creates visual breaks—alternating colors like white, brown, white—to keep things
from blending together.

I also organize my spices in alphabetical order. This removes the guesswork and keeps me
from having to search through multiple bottles.

The same idea applies to canned goods and jars. In my pantry, all labels face forward so I can
immediately see what each item is. If I have to stop and turn things around, I’m more likely to
grab the wrong item.

Another important part of preparation is maintaining a grocery list throughout the week. I use
Alexa so I can add items as I notice them while cooking.

I also transfer my list into my grocery store’s app so it’s organized by aisle, making shopping
easier and less overwhelming.

This kind of preparation prevents mistakes. At one point, I came home with a pound of butter to
find that I already had eight pounds of butter. My brain was stuck on the idea that I needed
butter—so I kept buying it.

I’m not going into detail about grocery shopping here, but I will emphasize one point: stick to
your list, even when you’re convinced you need something.

Cooking Itself

When it comes to actually cooking, timing matters more than most people realize.

Start early in the day. Cognitive fatigue doesn’t just make you tired—it slows your brain’s ability
to process, react, and keep up with steps.

If a recipe says 10 minutes of prep, plan for 30. Move slowly, check things off, and give yourself
space to breathe.

Always have a recipe in front of you—even for meals you’ve made for years.

Think of it like GPS. Even when you know where you’re going, it helps to have a backup in case
you lose your place.

I use AnyList for my recipes and customize them heavily. A recipe that may start with six steps
often ends up with eleven or twelve once I rewrite it for myself.

For example, I once cooked a whole chicken with the gizzards still inside because the recipe
never told me to remove them.

Your recipe should be written as a clear, step-by-step guide—nothing assumed.

I keep my recipes in clear plastic sleeves, organized in a “D” three-ring binder, and use a stand-
up tray while cooking. As I complete each step, I check it off with a dry-erase marker.

When I’m done, I wipe it clean and reuse it.

Safety in the Kitchen

Safety is critical.

In our previous home, I had black countertops and a black stovetop. I couldn’t tell where the stove ended and the counter began—or when it was hot. I burned myself multiple times and even nearly started a fire by placing grocery bags on a hot burner.

We replaced it with a gas stove so I could see the flame and clearly identify the cooking surface.

That worked for me—but everyone is different. The key is figuring out what works for you.

The oven has also been a challenge. I’ve had serious burns from forgetting to use oven mitts.
Because of this, my husband now stays in the kitchen when I cook and helps with anything
involving the oven.

I also rely heavily on Alexa reminders. Instead of just setting a timer, I ask her to remind me to
“check the chicken.” Hearing a specific instruction is much more helpful than a generic alarm.

Tools, Supports, and Final Thoughts

There are so many safety aids available today:

Cutting and chopping tools
Cut-resistant gloves
Safety shutoff devices
Adaptive utensils
Reminder labels like “Hot” or “Be Careful”

The list goes on.

When you start noticing challenges, don’t get discouraged—get curious. Search for solutions and see what tools are available.

Most importantly, enjoy yourself. Cooking should not feel like a burden. There’s nothing worse
than putting in the effort and not enjoying the meal.

Learn what works for you. Be safe. Use the tools and strategies that make cooking easier.
If you visit daanow.org, you’ll find a cookbook created by people living with dementia, filled
with real-life tips and recipes.

Enjoy the process. Have fun with it. And create meals in a way that keeps you safe, confident,
and in control.
More tips to come.