Dehydration and Malnutrition in Alzheimer's Disease

Hi Paul

Sorry about the delay in getting back to you.

There are a few more ideas to get your wife interested in food;

Definitely try different food stuffs, maybe ones with a stronger smell, however smell is often adversely affected in old age so that may not help. Sweet foods are often favorites. Try putting a small amount of liquid glycerin on her lips. It moisturizes the lips and may encourage her then to eat some sweet desserts.

Check that her mouth is not sore, that she is not constipated and that she is in a comfortable position to eat and drink.

Let me know how you get on

Christine

Paul

Also try compilations! Present small amounts of food of different colors, smells and tastes. Put sweet and savory foods on the same plate and if she can, ask her to choose herself. Put on her eye glasses if she uses them. Do not put too much on the plate.

Try doing other tasks in her room so you are not sitting with her. Leave it with her too. She may be more interested when there are no distractions.

Do check that she has regular bowel movements. In my experience as a nurse it was constipation that caused most appetite problems. 

Best Wishes

Christine

Christine,

Thank you for your concern and helpful suggestions. Especially to not distract Joan by my presence yet still encourage her.

Paul

Hi Paul--Me again!!!

I was reading some research today in which they found increasing light during meals decreased innapropriate behaviors and improved eating and drinking in people with dementia.

Chrisitne

Hi Christine,

 Thank you again for your concern. Joan may go home from rehab Tuesday. I will keep the overhead and bridge lamp on  at the table. Just   incase. I learned something last night also. The Alzheimer packet mentioned other dementias. I noticed weak legs describing Normal Pressure Hydrophilia. When I looked on Wikpedia and other articles, I discovered Joan has all the symptoms mentioned.  Tomorrow I will have to find out if         anything will be done for it. Doctors didn't tell me anything when I asked                  them at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick. Sadly so.

Paul