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Alzheimer’s and Nutrition
Food, Eating and Alzheimer’s
Regular, nutritious meals may become a challenge for people living in the middle and late stages of Alzheimer’s. They may become overwhelmed with too many food choices, forget to eat or think they have already eaten.
Proper nutrition is important to keep the body strong and healthy. For a person with Alzheimer's or dementia, poor nutrition may increase behavioral symptoms and cause weight loss. The basic nutrition tips below can help boost the person with dementia's health and your health as a caregiver, too:
- Provide a balanced diet with a variety of foods. Offer vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean protein foods.
- Limit foods with high saturated fat and cholesterol. Some fat is essential for health but not all fats are equal. Go light on fats that are bad for heart health, such as butter, solid shortening, lard and fatty cuts of meats.
- Cut down on refined sugars. Often found in processed foods, refined sugars contain calories but lack vitamins, minerals and fiber. You can tame a sweet tooth with healthier options like fruit or juice-sweetened baked goods. But note that in the later stages of Alzheimer's, if appetite loss is a problem, adding sugar to foods may encourage eating.
- Limit foods with high sodium and use less salt. Most people in the United States consume too much sodium, which affects blood pressure. As an alternative, use spices or herbs to season food.
As the disease progresses, loss of appetite and weight loss may become concerning. In such cases, the doctor may suggest supplements between meals to add calories. Staying hydrated may also be a problem. Encourage fluid intake by offering small cups of water or other liquids throughout the day or foods with high water content, such as fruit, soups, milkshakes and smoothies.
In the middle and late stages of Alzheimer's, swallowing problems can lead to choking and weight loss. Be aware of safety concerns and try these tips:
- Prepare foods so they aren't hard to chew or swallow. Grind foods, cut them into bite-size pieces or serve soft foods (applesauce, cottage cheese and scrambled eggs).
- Be alert for signs of choking. Avoid foods that are difficult to chew thoroughly, like raw carrots. Encourage the person to sit up straight with his or her head slightly forward. If the person's head tilts backward, move it to a forward position. At the end of the meal, check the person's mouth to make sure food has been swallowed. Learn the Heimlich maneuver in case of an emergency.
- Address a decreased appetite. If the person has a decreased appetite, try preparing some of his or her favorite foods. You may also consider increasing the person’s physical activity or plan for several small meals rather than three large meals.
For additional resources try these options:
- Alzheimer's Association Message Boards. Exchange tips with other caregivers who are experiencing eating and mealtime challenges with a loved one with dementia.
- My Plate for Older Adults. Read information from Tufts University about the unique nutritional and physical activity needs associated with age.
To access the full article and get more nutrition tips for someone with Alzheimer’s, click here.
Useful links:
- Swallowing Disorders in Adults (asha.org)
- Meals on Wheels America
- Home Safety Checklist (alz.org)
- Helping an Older Loved One Maintain Good Oral Health (benrose.org)
- Mind Your Food for Better Brain Health - Connect Community - BCBSIL
- How Fiber Keeps Your Brain and Heart in Shape - Connect Community - BCBSIL