June 25, 2024
Alzheimer’s can change the way that your mom thinks, sees, sleeps, and even how she eats. That’s because Alzheimer’s changes the way that the brain processes information. If your mom is refusing to eat or is only eating a little bit and you’re worried that she’s not getting the nutrition she needs you should consider getting Alzheimer’s care at home for her.
Alzheimer’s care is specialized care for seniors in all stages of Alzheimer’s. The care providers that specialize in Alzheimer’s care go through training to learn how Alzheimer’s changes seniors. They also get training that helps them recognize cues that seniors can’t express and learn to communicate effectively with seniors who have Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s can affect the brain regions responsible for appetite control, leading to decreased interest in food and eating. Loss of appetite can also be a side effect of medications. So, if your mom doesn’t see interested in food it could be that she just doesn’t have any appetite. Scheduling meals at regular times will encourage her to eat at those times every day even if she’s not hungry.
Cognitive decline can make it hard for seniors to recognize food, utensils, or even understand the purpose of mealtime, leading to confusion and reduced food intake. If your mom suddenly doesn’t seem interested in foods that she used to love it could be because she doesn’t recognize them anymore.
Alzheimer’s can impair the motor functions involved in chewing and swallowing, increasing the risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia. If your mom is having trouble chewing or swallowing, she may not want to eat because it’s difficult or painful. Try serving soft or pureed foods that are easy for seniors to eat.
The disease can alter taste and smell perception, making food less appealing or even leading to preferences for unusual food combinations. It’s very common for seniors with Alzheimer’s to suddenly not like foods they have enjoyed for years because of the changes in taste and smell they’re experiencing.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s may experience restlessness, agitation, or distractibility during meals, which can interfere with their ability to focus on eating. Alzheimer’s care can help your mom stay calm during meals so that a caregiver can encourage her to continue eating.
As the disease progresses seniors may forget to eat, forget how to use utensils, or forget to drink water because they can’t recognize their body’s cues anymore. Regular mealtimes can remind seniors when it’s time for them to eat.
Alzheimer’s can affect fine motor skills, making it difficult to handle utensils, bring food to the mouth, or perform other tasks necessary for eating independently. Your mom may need adaptive utensils or special cups to make it easier and safer for her to eat and drink.
