My partner, 85 years, was never fat. But as his memory loss has increased, he is getting thinner and thinner, despite eating a half container of ice cream every evening. He does not have other physical problems, such as a thyroid problem or diabetes.
I have seen this with my clients who have Alzheimers.
I would like to know about your experience with weight loss by a spouse or parent who has Alzheimers or memory loss due to aging. It would really be a huge help as I worry about his weight loss.
Thank you
they also said her thyroid was LOW (not high) and I told them I wanted her treated a few months ago for that.
She eats every bite on her plate - she obviously needs an afternoon snack and a drink
The thing with my mom is that she, at 89, is always on the go.
with all due respect, I perceive that you are sending posters down the wrong track with your theory. What I am speaking about is absolutely related to memory loss.
Other poster. Thank you for sharing your experience. I will do background research and when I have a clearer answer, other than my own observations, I will post it here. Some expert must know the answer to our concerns.
I did find that seniors sometimes lack these essential vitamins and minerals that affect absorption: B-12, calcium, D, potassium, magnesium, fiber, Omega 3- fats and water. The emphasis though was on fresh fruits and vegetables. Not a problem for younger people, but most of these are the ones that are limited in a dysphagia diet (even if Dad has really improved).
Maybe fruit smoothies with a bit of ice cream are a good possibility. I think I'll avoid a spinach or broccoli smoothie though, even though I do love both veggies.
Stacey, could you let us know if the Boost helps your FIL maintain his weight?
I think the underlying problem also is that the elderly aren't as active, don't need as much food, and even if they do get a well rounded diet, it's not always at the level of nutrients they need.
I've been wondering as well if part of it is attributable to the lost pleasure of cooking and baking, assuming that both men and women enjoyed this aspect of food preparation, or just enjoyed the process of having someone else do it. Meal prep is a major aspect of life that's changed in old age.
It's not quite the same to create something as it is to heat up a Meals on Wheels dinner, even though from what I've seen they're well rounded meals. Maybe some more sensory stimulation is needed? I'm going to do some more research to see if I can find foods that do stimulate appetite.
Looks like another issue to address in my father's diet.
I have read that it not uncommon for the patient who is progressing with dementia to stop being able to absorb the nutrients in the food, so even if the calories are consumed, they are not utilized by the body. I'd discuss it with his doctor, just to rule out anything else and make sure it's no food allergy.
I have noticed that most of the residents in the Memory Care facility where my cousin lives, are rather thin. The more severe their condition, the thinner they appear.
I have noticed some short term memory loss but it's non inconsistent with someone who's inching up to turning 98.
There's definitely an appetite; he's just not regaining the weight he's lost (about 12.5% of his normal weight).
Pam, did your medical team recommend anything to help your mother absorb nutrients more effectively? So far the doctors have just recommended Boost, Ensure, drinks like that.
I've been wondering if there are specific foods with enzymes that might assist in metabolizing nutrients. Anyone know what kind of doctor might deal with this aspect? Would a nutritionist be a better choice?
AD, are you thinking that the memory loss and the weight loss are related in dementia, or are they a function of declining age?
I think maybe I need to do some research on this topic.