Dementia and Alzheimer's patients will have nutrition needs throughout the many stages of their disease. When the caregiver is educated about the special needs of the patient, it can help combat such issues as agitation, confusion and the sleeplessness that is so common with many patients that suffer from either dementia or Alzheimer's.
Staying hydrated is another factor that is often overlooked. Simply keeping a water bottle handy will help keep the patient hydrated throughout their waking hours.
A caregiver for a person with dementia or Alzheimer's should also be certain that the patient is getting adequate nutrition as weight loss is a very common occurrence. Patients in the moderate stages of dementia and beyond simply cannot recall if they have eaten or not and many medications make them feel nauseous and they simply do not eat. It is a good idea to keep a written log of when meals and medications are consumed so you can not easily track when the last meal was eaten; you can also track such things as foods that cause problems such as sugary or foods high in caffeine contributing to agitation or nervousness.
In the moderate to mid-stages of dementia and Alzheimer's, many patients will participate in their own care as much as they can and will want to see their personal log of meals and medications. It should be made clear that only the care giver should be making entries as patients sometimes recall eating when they haven't or they may have skipped a meal and clearly remember in their head as having eaten. Both are common scenarios and a log will help keep track of their intake or in the case of a missed meal.
Weight loss is a big problem for many dementia and Alzheimer's patients. Anytime there is a significant loss of weight it should be medically investigated to rule out any underlying problems, special attention should be paid to the dental health of the patient as tooth and jaw pain can be a major player in the unwillingness to eat of many patients. Weight loss can be dangerous as it not only weakens the patient, it can also make their immune system less diligent in protecting against opportunistic diseases and illness can result.
Providing a balanced diet will go a long way to helping the dementia or Alzheimer's patient combat some of symptoms, especially in the earlier stages of the illness. If you're curious what the basics of a balanced diet are, you don't need a degree in nutrition, it's mostly commonsense.
A balanced diet is a good mixture of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Avoid or allow in small amounts sugars and completely avoid products with high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils. Providing a balanced diet for a dementia or Alzheimer's patient will help their body have the necessary energy to maintain cells and tissues and also combat illness.
Getting adequate carbs is easy. Pastas, whole grains, cereals and breads are good ways to get cards into the diet of a patient. If the patient has difficulty chewing or swallowing, making a "super cereal" by putting grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, millet or barley in a coffee grinder, blender or food processor. Grind to a fine consistency and you will have a very nutritious grain serving. Additionally, read labels as many breads are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup which along with refined sugar has shown not only to be a main player in the increase in diabetes but also damaging to the functioning of Alzheimer's patients and may even speed the progression of the disease according to "Food Swings" author Barnet Meltzer.
Fats should be given sparingly but there is some evidence to indicate that low levels of foods in natural fats such as butter or ice cream. Read labels and buy products with the fewest ingredients as possible, go for as natural as you can.
Proteins are important as they help the body keep the immune system strong and also keep the ability to repair cell damage. Fruits should be given a couple of times a day as can be tolerated and vitamins and minerals are very important supplements for meals that may be missed or foods that simply weren't eaten.
Protein drinks and soft, chewy food bars are often great helpers in getting adequate nutrition into a dementia or Alzheimer's patient. Additionally, be sure the patient drinks plenty of water. Soft drinks, coffee and tea while made with a good deal of water can actually contribute to dehydration. So while the patient may enjoy these as a treat from time to time, keep water the mainstay of their fluid intake.
You will have to adjust the food intake to the stage of the dementia or Alzheimer's that the patient is suffering. Patients in later stages will need very soft and easy to swallow foods. Constipation may be an issue for some patients, be sure that they have a couple of servings of fruit and adequate hydration and this should keep that common complaint to a minimum.
Now that you know the basics for good nutrition, make sure the patient in your life is getting good food and adequate hydration. Caregivers can do a lot for a patient that suffers from dementia or Alzheimer's by taking the time to learn the basics of good nutrition as well as what foods should be avoided. Adequate nutrition can go a long way to helping a patient have a healthy body and maintain good emotional health by watching what foods are consumed.
