Question

It is difficult to get many Alzheimer's patients to eat. What can be done to make meal time less of a struggle ?

Answer

Feeding someone with Alzheimer's is a challenge and there is no one answer. Some strategies that often work are listed below, together with a reading suggestion. Perhaps if others who are caring for those with Alzheimer's would share what has worked for them, we would have a long list of options.

- Limit noise and distractions while eating

- Have someone dine with the person to "model" eating

- Only provide one type of food at a time if the person is overwhelmed by choice

- Provide verbal prompting for eating, chewing and swallowing as necessary

- Offer high calorie nutrient-dense snacks if weight loss is occurring

- Monitor weight and food intake on a regular basis to ensure nutritional adequacy

- Seek assistance of a Registered Dietitian to develop a nutritional care plan if nutrition is not adequate.

You might also wish to read the following :

Finley B. (1997). Nutritional needs of the person with Alzheimer's disease:

practical approaches to quality care. J Am Dietetic Assoc 97(10) Supp 2, S177

Links

• Nutrition and other caregiver issues