Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease presents many challenges for caregivers, mealtime challenges being one of them. The way out is proper identification of your family member’s struggles and devising strategies to work around them. Loss of appetite in individuals with Alzheimer’s can be attributed to Alzheimer’s disease-related issues like cognitive impairment, coordination problems, decline in sensory perception, etc.
Anthem Senior Living in Phoenix, AZ understands the value of good nutrition and we strive to help older adults by fulfilling all their nutritional requirements so that they are in good shape at all times. Anthem Senior Living is an award-winning assisted living Anthem facility in the region. Experienced and professional caregivers offer round-the-clock care and support to senior residents.
Common mealtime challenges for people with Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia:
Loss Of Appetite– Medicines may lead to loss of appetite. However, your loved one may no longer recognize their body’s hunger triggers. A loss of smell or taste further adds to these problems. Loss of interest in food at mealtime is another factor. What can help in overcoming this problem is by looking for ways that could stimulate their appetite.
Problems With Oral Health– Weight loss is very common for someone with Alzheimer’s. Excessive weight loss may lead to a problem with their dentures fitting properly. Gum disease is another oral health issue. You can overcome this issue by identifying and correcting the underlying oral health issue.
Coordination Issues– It’s a given for most adults with Alzheimer’s to eventually experience problems with hand-eye coordination, which can make mealtime difficult for them (both physically and emotionally).
Lack Of Attention– Just sitting down and focusing on eating becomes a huge struggle, which can aggravate if the older adult is also experiencing agitation or anxiety. What you can do is create a calm and distraction-free environment.
Ways to make mealtimes easier for Alzheimer’s-afflicted people:
Allow them independence, allow them to perform tasks that they otherwise do for themselves which can nurture a sense of control and dignity. This also applies to eating.