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Patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease often run into eating problems and in severe cases this may even border on malnutrition. There are a number of reasons why Alzheimer’s disease patients are very fussy about food texture and have very pronounced preference (if at all) for certain foods.
Often the problem does not occur in isolation but is caused due to a series of events. Sores in the mouth could be caused due to ill fitting dentures which in turn are a result of weight loss. Loss of interest in food can also occur due to depression. This can be treated symptomatically for depression alone, especially in the early days. When depression lifts, appetite normally returns. As the disease progresses, the patient may simply forget to eat or drink, even if he is hungry or thirsty. At such times, it helps if you eat along with the patient and remind him to eat and drink. The texture of the food is important because it helps him to eat and drink with ease. A dry mouth associated with the side effect of some medications may make it difficult swallow or chew. Giving semi solid food and food with fiber helps by making the food easier to eat and also relieves constipation. Very often Alzheimer disease sufferers develop food fads though it is mainly later in the disease that severe malnutrition can occur. It’s difficult to make an adult eat especially if they are stronger than you or they have developed a fear or severe dislike to what you are trying to give them. It can be a very difficult situation for carers to find themselves in.
It’s important to ensure the Alzheimer sufferer receives a well balanced nourishing diet. It’s also important that special attention is paid to adequate fluid intake. Fluid is an integral part of anyone’s diet, and as the Alzheimer sufferer will often forget or not bother to ask for a drink. It’s relatively easy to not realize their fluid intake is insufficient, especially in hot weather or if the central heating is on full blast. Drinks should be offered on a regular basis, and a cold drink left nearby to remind the Alzheimer sufferer to take fluids. An excellent way of ensuring vitamin C is consumed, is offering orange juice.
Fruit and vegetables provide the vitamins and fiber needed to keep the body well nourished. Further fiber can be obtained by consuming wholegrain bread and biscuits. If the Alzheimer sufferer spits out their food or refuses to eat, this will need further investigation. They may have some gum disease or intestinal problem. Their dentures may have become loose fitting (especially if they have lost weight), or they may have lost their sensation of taste. They may also have some difficulty in swallowing which would need further investigation as this could be a sign of more serious problems.
It’s also a good idea to ensure the Alzheimer disease sufferer has been having their bowels open on a regular basis. Constipation is one of the leading causes of loss of appetite in many Alzheimer disease sufferers, and if not treated can lead on to more serious problems. Regular medication can be given for this which softens the stool and encourages the person to expel it. These encourage the bowel to become sluggish and lazy. Constipation is another reason why lots of fluid intake is important. Fluid helps to soften the stool and makes its passing much easier. ...http://www.treat-alzheimers.com
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posted by Valery Yermalitsky at
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