Living well with Dementia in Spain
About this guide.
A dementia diagnosis brings a lot of questions and it can feel overwhelming at first. But many people continue to live well, with joy, connection, and purpose.
This guide is for people living with dementia in Spain, and for the family members, friends, and carers supporting them. Whether you are newly diagnosed or further along in the journey, you will find practical advice to help you live as well as possible.
Age in Spain’s Infoline and Friendline are available if you need a listening ear or guidance on local services.
We aim to offer gentle, practical advice on everyday life with dementia, drawing on the natural advantages of life in Spain: its relaxed pace, sunshine, rich food culture, and strong sense of community. Small, thoughtful changes can make a real difference, and you don’t have to figure it all out at once.
*This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns.
Taking a proactive approach
Getting ahead of potential challenges, rather than waiting for them, can simplify daily life and support independence for longer.
Keep up with routine health checks
Regular dental, hearing and eyesight appointments are especially important. Undetected hearing or vision problems can increase confusion and lead to social withdrawal, so it is worth staying on top of these even when they feel like a low priority.
Create a dementia-friendly home
A calm, uncluttered living space is easier to navigate and reduces the risk of falls. Remove trip hazards, improve lighting, and consider labels or colour-coded cues to help with orientation. Small changes can have a significant impact on daily confidence and safety.
Eating and drinking well
Spain is one of the best places in the world for brain-healthy eating. Research suggests that a traditional Mediterranean diet may help slow cognitive decline — and the good news is that it is one of the most enjoyable and sustainable ways to eat. The focus is on plenty of vegetables, fruit, healthy fats, fish, legumes and wholegrains, with less processed food, sugar and alcohol.
What to include
Olive oil Use extra virgin olive oil generously — rich in antioxidants that support brain health. | Fruit and vegetables Aim for at least 3 portions of vegetables and 2 of fruit daily. Prioritise leafy greens, berries and citrus. |
Oily fish Salmon, tuna or sardines twice a week provide omega-3 fatty acids, good for both heart and brain. | Legumes and beans Lentils, chickpeas and beans are nutrient-dense and easy to include in traditional Spanish stews. |
Nuts A small daily handful of almonds or walnuts provides vitamin E, which helps protect brain cells. | Dairy and eggs Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese and eggs provide protein, calcium, vitamin D and essential nutrients. |
What to limit
Processed meats Chorizo, sausages and bacon are high in salt and preservatives — enjoy only occasionally. | Sugary and fatty foods Cut back on sweets, pastries, and margarine. Try dark chocolate or fresh fruit instead. |
Alcohol Alcohol can worsen confusion and increase the risk of falls. Zero-alcohol alternatives are widely available. | Refined carbohydrates Reduce simple, non-complex carbs like white bread, white rice, white pasta, and refined flour products, which can cause blood sugar spikes. Choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains instead. |
Staying hydrated
Aim for around 1.5 litres of fluid a day. People with dementia may not always recognise when they are thirsty, so it helps to offer drinks regularly throughout the day rather than waiting to be asked.
As dementia progresses
Eating habits can change significantly over time. Taste, smell and texture preferences can all shift. If swallowing becomes difficult, move towards softer options such as scrambled eggs, smooth soups and fruit smoothies. If difficulties continue, speak to a doctor, who may recommend nutritional supplements.
A gentle starting point You don’t need to change everything at once. Start with one small swap — try extra virgin olive oil instead of butter, or add a short daily walk. Consistent small steps make a lasting difference. |
Staying active
Regular movement supports physical health, mental wellbeing and independence. The key is finding activities that are enjoyable and sustainable, not intense.
- Daily walks — a 30-minute walk, ideally with a friend or neighbour, keeps both body and mind engaged. Spain’s climate makes this easy for much of the year.
- Swimming or gentle jogging — both support heart and brain health and are widely accessible across Spain.
- Yoga, Pilates or tai chi — these help with balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of falls.
Adapting as needs change
As dementia progresses, it is common to experience some loss of muscle strength and changes in mobility. Rather than stopping activity altogether, adapt it. Chair-based exercises, a gentle stroll around the garden, light stretching or simple household tasks all count and continue to bring real benefit.
Emotional and mental wellbeing
Emotional health matters just as much as physical health. Staying connected, keeping the mind gently stimulated, and getting enough rest all contribute to a better quality of life.
The power of connection
Spain’s warm social culture is genuinely valuable here. Simple daily interactions — a conversation at a café, a phone call with family, or a familiar face at a local group — can lift mood and provide important mental stimulation. Try to maintain regular routines around social contact, as consistency is reassuring for people with dementia.
Keeping the mind gently active
- Puzzles, reading, card games or gentle creative activities all support cognitive function
- Music can spark strong memories and bring real comfort. It is a good idea create a playlist of favourite songs early on
- Sensory activities such as a hand massage, a scented bath, or holding a familiar object can be grounding and calming
- Mindful moments like noticing the scent of flowers, the warmth of the sun or a gently breeze help anchor someone in the present
Sleep
Disrupted sleep is common in dementia and can increase daytime confusion and anxiety. The following steps can help:
- Keep consistent bed and wake times to support the body’s natural rhythm
- Avoid caffeine after midday. Switch to decaffeinated tea, coffee, or herbal alternatives
- Keep afternoons and evenings calm, especially if sundowning is an issue (sundowning refers to increased confusion or agitation that can occur around dusk)
- Make sure the bedroom is comfortable, safe and free from unnecessary noise or light
If low mood becomes a concern
Depression is common in people with dementia and in those caring for them. If it becomes persistent, it is worth speaking to a GP — there is real support available, and you do not have to simply manage through it.
Be kind to yourself
Living with dementia is a journey, and every day is different. Patience and self-compassion matter — for the person with dementia and for those around them.
- Focus on what you can do, and celebrate the moments that bring joy, whether that is a shared meal, a familiar piece of music, or a laugh together
- Set small, achievable daily goals: ‘Today we will plant some flowers in the garden’
- Reach out for support, you do not have to face this alone
Age in Spain is here to help Our Infoline, Dementia Carer Facebook Support Group and Friendline are available to anyone who needs information, support, a listening ear, or guidance on local services in Spain. Whether you are newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for connection, our team is ready to help. Visit www.ageinspain.org or call our Infoline to find out more. |
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