Many people don’t realize that Alzheimer’s disease is about more than just memory loss. This cognitive disorder affects all aspects of patients’ lives, including their relationship to food. Often, meal times become points of contention between caregivers and their loved ones, rather than bonding opportunities. Food issues vary depending on the individual, but there are many things caregivers can do to help their loved ones get proper nutrition.
Undereating or refusing food
There are a number of factors that cause Alzheimer’s patients to eat and drink too little. Here are some of the most common reasons behind dementia-related undereating, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Exhaustion
Dementia patients often deal with extreme tiredness, and many times this is the reason people stop eating before they’ve had enough – they simply don’t have the energy to finish their meals. The source explained that if your loved one seems too lethargic to get through three square meals per day, you should try making him or her small plates whenever he or she seems alert and energetic. It’s more productive and healthier to have your loved one eat a few small portions multiple times a day if she isn’t able to consume a whole meal in one sitting.
Inability to communicate
Because communication skills often deteriorate as a result of Alzheimer’s, many people lose the ability to effectively express themselves. If your loved one is refusing food or not finishing meals, it might not mean he or she is full or has no appetite. It could mean that your loved one doesn’t like the food he or she has been given, or that something else is wrong and he or she isn’t sure how to properly get your attention. Try giving your loved one comprehensive menu choices using pictures.
Alzheimer’s disease can cause patients to refuse food or overeat.
Difficulty recognizing food
It’s quite possible that your loved one is hungry but doesn’t realize the plate you’ve given him or her is full of food. Many times, dementia patients can’t identify unfamiliar foods or get confused when meals are presented in certain ways. Occasionally, individuals simply can’t recognize food products at all – even if your loved one was once a pizza aficionado, he or she may simply ignore a formerly enticing cheesy slice because his or her brain doesn’t identify it as edible. Make sure your loved one’s eyesight is sufficient, and always prompt him or her to start eating.
Coordination issues
Alzheimer’s disease can have a significant effect on coordination, and many people with dementia have additional disorders that also impact motor skills, like Parkinson’s disease. Often, people who have a difficult time using cutlery or struggle to get food from their plates to their mouths are too embarrassed to eat in front of others, which can cause them to skip meals or refuse food. Some people simply need to be reminded that they must open their mouths to accept food, while others might need a caregiver to tell them to chew. Allow your loved one to eat wherever he or she is comfortable, try serving finger foods and reach out to an occupational therapist who may be able to provide you with adapted utensils and cups.
When overeating is the issue
“Alzheimer’s patients may lose the ability to feel full.”
Caring.com explained that, occasionally, Alzheimer’s patients eat too much, which can also have negative consequences for their health. People typically overeat because their memories and senses are hindered by dementia. While they may have just eaten a large meal, they might not recall doing so. And despite having consumed plenty of calories, many Alzheimer’s patients lose the ability to feel full, which can cause them to seek out more food.
To prevent your loved one from constantly overeating, Caring.com suggested serving food restaurant style as opposed to family style. This way, portions are predetermined and dishes aren’t sitting on the table inviting people to take multiple helpings. Additionally, try distracting your loved one between meal times so he or she doesn’t wander into the kitchen and start snacking. For example, suggest going for a walk together after dinner each night.
Keep snacks out of sight, since your loved one might be tempted to nibble on them throughout the day despite being served three filling meals. Don’t eat in front of him or her without sharing, however, as this can be very demeaning. Simply be sure that you snack on healthy foods when spending time with your relative, and give him or her a small portion to try if he or she is curious.
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CHC