ASOCIACION DE ALZHEIMER DE PUERTO RICO
|
|
Edif. Santurce Medical Mall E-Mail: alzheimerpr@alzheimerpr.org |
Alzheimer's Disease |
NUTRITION
For many caregivers it is a problem providing nutritious meals to an Alzheimer's patient. Frequently the patient has no feeling for when to identify their hunger, when they are full, or when they need liquids or foods with certain vitamins or minerals.
Predictability.
The answer with respect to the patient and food is difficult to predict. One individual may like specific foods such as turkey or chicken, and right away not want anything.
Poor Nutrition.
The result of poor nutrition among Alzheimer patients is usually a weight loss or gain, and a variety of other symptoms including poor dental health, apathy or exhaustion.
A person who eats sweets and pastries once in a while, frequently experiences a sugar high, and later complains of being tired, depressed or hungry.
Non-nutritious foods tend to make the patient more tired, disoriented and reduces the appetite for regular nutritious foods.
The patient may also have intestinal problems or bladder problems, due to not enough liquids or lack of adequate fiber in their diet.
Progression of the Illness.
Since the illness is progressive, offer the patient adequate nutrition. Offering them adequate nutrition is difficult, but it must be done..
The patient may possibly not understand meal times or the difference between the breakfast hour, lunch hour or dinner and snacks.
In addition, you as caregiver possibly will have to do more on your part at mealtime to help the patient use their utensils, chew, swallow foods or identify various food types. For example, you could give a spoon to the patient and discover that they cannot remember how to use it.
On the other hand, the patient may not feel the need to eat, can tightly close his jaw and refuse to accept a spoonful of food in his mouth. This person possibly doesn't understand or remember what to do with food, due to the illness.
STEPS TO FOLLOW
Observe Danger Signs and Act.
Observe the first signs of change in behavior, such as an increase in bite size, drastic changes in taste in food, drastic weight gain or loss, or bladder problems. Experiment with changes in their diet to solve these problems. Also, you must allow more time for the patient and offer additional help at mealtime.
Control the Changes.
Observe the patient's weight weekly and under the care of their doctor. Have blood tests whenever necessary. The results of the laboratories will help identify cholesterol problems, anemia, dehydration or constipation.
If the person has problem chewing and swallowing food, try to cut the food in smaller pieces so they can eat.
Serve foods with non-refined textures, such as toast or sandwiches, which stimulate the patient's tongue.
Motivate them to chew and swallow foods.
The person with Alzheimer's disease sometimes has little sensation of food in their mouth. Therefore, gently move their jaw to remind them that they must continue chewing.
Stimulate the person to chew, touching their tongue with the spoon. Gently, put your hand over their throat to remind them they must swallow food.
Use Soft Foods to Help the Person.
A person having problems chewing, or with sensitive teeth, will benefit from softer foods.
You can serve them a peanut butter sandwich or a mashed potato, instead of a sandwich with meat slices or french fries.
You may serve mashed or boiled vegetables, cooked meat in small pieces, turkey or chicken salad, instead of meat slices.
If swallowing food is a problem, put the food in a food processor or blender before serving. Also, remember that soups with two different consistencies can confuse the patient.
Prepare foods such that the individual may use his hands.
If regular breakfast consists of scrambled eggs and bacon, cut the food in small squares and add cheese, meat and form a tortilla, such that the person can use his hands.
Proceed with Caution using Liquid Supplements.
Liquid supplements are frequently expensive and high in sodium. You can prepare them sometimes more inexpensively at home. If the patient is eating regular meals, use supplements in small bites, between meals, later at night, or when the person refuses to eat at determined hours. When you consider using meal supplements, consult with the patient's doctor.
Peace and Calm at Mealtime.
Maintain the environment calm and free of distractions, such as television or radio. Try to have regular meals with the family as many times as possible. The conversation and social interaction is important.
Feed the patient at regular hours. Many caregivers find it useful to serve several small meals, instead of three large ones. Be consistent, feed the patient in the same area and mealtime every day.
Maintain the table set in a simple manner. Avoid placing objects that can distract or confuse the individual. Use condiments in food preparations before serving.
Set the table with only the necessary utensils to eat. Avoid using plates or tablecloths with designs that can confuse the patient. Use a plate with a different color than the tablecloth and serve plates one by one. A plate full of meat, potatoes and vegetables could overwhelm and confuse the patient.
Orient yourself about nutritious meals as well as supplements. Motivate the person to be independent, allowing them to use the utensils and eat food with their fingers. Drinking liquids with a straw will give the patient an independent feeling.
Serve heavy liquids to avoid choking. If choking occurs, be prepared to put pressure on the abdomen to remove the food from their throat (the Heimlich maneuver)
Prepare food on time so that you can remain with the patient during mealtime. He can imitate your behavior to eat.
Decrease liquid intake at mealtime, to assure that they eat at regular hours, and provide them with fruits and nutritious drinks.
Main Menu | Board of Directors | Our Mission | Support Group Meetings
Please send any suggestion, comment or problem to
