Because Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain, it affects so many areas of someone’s life. It’s easy to overlook that, however, especially in the earlier stages of the illness. But as Alzheimer’s progresses, seniors may need a little more help to overcome some of these serious nutritional challenges. Alzheimer’s care providers can make a big difference every day.
Appetite Loss
Some people with Alzheimer’s disease experience appetite loss without understanding why. This can occur when the area of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s is the one that controls and regulates appetite and eating. When seniors no longer feel hungry, even when they haven’t eaten, that leads to inadequate nutritional intake and often serious health issues. Home care providers can help most by offering a set schedule of smaller meals and snacks to keep seniors eating.
Trouble Chewing and Swallowing
Over time, Alzheimer’s disease can lead to increased trouble with both chewing and swallowing, which increases difficulty around eating and getting enough nutrients. Alzheimer’s care providers are skilled at helping to accommodate these difficulties, making it easier for seniors to eat safely. They can also provide foods that are easier to eat, with softer textures or that are easy to chew.
Increased Risk of Dehydration
When someone isn’t getting enough water on a regular basis, they’re more likely to have trouble with cognition and memory. For seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease, it can be difficult to remember to drink water in the first place. All of this compounds the situation and makes it even more likely that they’ll experience dehydration, which can be a huge health issue.
Unintended Weight Loss
Alzheimer’s patients can be more prone than other seniors to losing weight unintentionally, which can be dangerous. This can happen because of a variety of factors, including increased physical activity, reduced food intake, or any of the other issues already discussed above. The key is for home care providers to help track how much food seniors are eating and to ensure that those foods are nutritionally dense.
Inability to Recognize Hunger or Fullness
In addition to appetite loss, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may no longer recognize what it means to experience a hunger cue. Because of that, they may become more erratic with their eating habits. The flip side can be that once seniors start eating, they may not recognize fullness cues, either, leading to other problems related to food and eating.
Medication Side Effects and Interactions
It’s also very common for Alzheimer’s patients to have other health issues that require medication. Some of these medications come with side effects that affect appetite, how foods taste, and even how nutrients are absorbed by the body. It’s important to have medication reviews done regularly to determine if they’re having an impact on overall well-being.
Staying on top of all of these challenges for Alzheimer’s patients is a big job and family caregivers have a lot going on as it is. Alzheimer’s care providers can help everyone involved to have the support and tools necessary to keep seniors with Alzheimer’s eating well and getting the nutrients they need.
If you are considering Alzheimer’s care in Bay City, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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