Eating Tips for Alzheimer’s Disease

The typical signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are related to memory loss and cognitive abilities. We never think about the other things that come along with the disease. One of these major changes that can be a cause for concern and a separate health risk is dietary changes and eating habits. Alzheimer’s and Dementia: a Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, published a study that correlated unplanned weight loss with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Some things lead to weight loss is decreased levels of activity, depression, lack of muscle coordination which leads to problems with chewing and side effects of medications. We suggest a couple of tips that help those with Alzheimer’s maintain a healthy diet.
Small Portions
Alzheimer’s sufferers are easily overwhelmed. Try to increase the amount of food on their plate or the items of food on their plate so that they can concentrate on less.
Hydration
Making sure to stay hydrated is equally as important as nutrition. In fact, it is a huge part of nutrition. Be sure to keep an eye on the water intake as well as the food intake.
Cook Aromatic Foods
A great tip to getting someone to eat is to make food that engages their other senses. If they are excited by the scent, they are more prone to be excited to eat the food.
Finger Foods
Alzheimer’s disease causes a lot of problems with coordination. This can include the skills of simply using utensils. Finger food make it easier because there are less steps in the process of eating. Finger foods can sometimes also be more fun!
Talk to a Doctor
In regards to medication, there are usually other options. Talk to your loved one’s doctor. Let them know about the symptoms and they can give you advice or even choose a new medication.
Natalie is currently Executive director of Terra Vista of Oakbrook Terrace. She has compiled over ten years experience providing outstanding care to people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In addition to being a certified Alzheimer’s and dementia care trainer, McFarland is a licensed continued education instructor for nurses and social workers through the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations. She has also developed several Alzheimer’s research partnerships. Included in those projects were Dr. Virginia Cruz, Ph.D., RN, Associate Professor of SIUE and Dr. George Grossberg, M.D., Medical Director of the Department of Psychiatry and Neurology at Saint Louis University. Natalie is a graduate of Southern Illinois University.
As a child, Natalie loved visiting her grandma and grandpa’s home. She and her siblings eagerly looked forward to family gatherings at grandma’s. As her grandma aged, she became more forgetful, less focused and eventually, was diagnosed with dementia. Her grandparents were forced to sell their home and move closer to the family as her grandma’s need for more hands-on care increased. Natalie knows from experience that a diagnosis of dementia affects everyone in the family. Today, her career is dedicated to keeping families affected by dementia connected.
