Alzheimer's - Having Problems With Eating

TIPS FOR PROPER NUTRITION

Many people with Alzheimer’s experience problems with eating. The person may lose his or her appetite or forget that he or she has eaten. There may also be physical difficulties for example mouth sores, gum disease, poor-fitting dentures or a dry mouth.

The following tips will help keep the person eating properly:

• Provide a balanced diet with a variety of foods.
• Use vitamin supplements only on the recommendation of a physician.
• Limit distractions by providing a quiet and calm environment.
• Keep the table setting simple.
• Use colourful plates to distinguish food from the plate.
• Always ensure foods or liquids are not too hot or too cold, since the person may not be able to tell if food is too hot to eat.
• If the person always seems hungry, serve smaller portions of food at more frequent intervals. Healthy snacks can be given between meals.
• Too many food types on a plate may become confusing: put one food at a time on the plate.
• Provide finger foods.
• Prepare food: cut meat, butter bread.
• Offer fluids frequently.
• Supervise and assist as needed.

For more information contact Brigadoon Village.