Consuming an adequate diet is necessary to obtain nutrients and to help individuals stay healthy. The following tips are suggestions that have worked for some Alzheimer patients. However, each patient is different; the caregiver will need to determine what may work for a particular patient. Caregivers need to understand the progressive nature of this disease; solutions that work today may not necessarily work in the future.

Many of the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur with aging can cause may people to lose their appetite as they grow older. Not of these problems can be corrected, but interest in eating a well-balanced nutritious diet must be maintained. Nutritional needs do not decrease as individuals grow older, except for a reduction in the amount of calories needed. A well-balanced nutritious diet can be the best defense an individual has for staying healthy and preventing illness. The following suggestions may help increase interest and food intake for older persons who have decrease in appetites.

Tips To Increase Appetite -

  • Have the main meal of the day at breakfast or lunch when appetite is larger, keeping the dinner meal smaller .
  • Have five or six smaller meals, rather than only two or three larger meals.
  • Take a daily walk or have other physical activity to increase appetite.
  • Use familiar foods fixed in a familiar way.
  • If the patient simply refuses to eat a balanced diet or is not consuming enough calories, consult with the attending physician about using vita­min and/or mineral supplements.
  • Try to include at least one food item in the meal you know the patient likes.

Tips To Overcome Mealtime Confusion -

  • Make mealtime a routine that occurs at the same time, in the same place, and with as little confusion as possible.
  • Make sure physical surroundings are pleasant and calm, avoiding unnecessary distractions.
  • Set aside ample time for meals so they are not rushed.
  • Serving one food item at a time may result in less confusion.

About the author: By Robert Baird, author for http://www.alzheimersbasics.org/ . This site provides information on caregiver and treatment therapy . If you want to publish the above article then you are welcome to do so, provided you provide a linkback to authors site at http://www.alzheimersbasics.org/.
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