Eating Well with Alzheimer's

Eating well is essential to good health, but when we are caring for an older loved one with a memory disorder, it may be challenging to be sure they have access to well-balanced and appetizing meals. It can be a struggle as well to ensure that they are eating these meals when they may be experiencing a loss of appetite or difficulty remembering and sticking to established routines as the illness progresses. As caregivers, it’s important for us to rise to these challenges and find solutions to prioritize nutrition and healthy eating in a loved one’s life as key element of maintaining their overall health.

Healthy eating in the early stage

Older adults in the early stages of the disease may still be able to fix meals for themselves and shop for food with the help of a family member or neighbor. However, if a loved one lives alone, they may have a hard time cooking for just themselves. Occasionally, they may forget to eat, or get by on soup, sandwiches, frozen or take-out meals. A loved one may also have health conditions that affect their appetite including:

• Heart disease
• Constipation and other digestive disorders
• Poorly fitted dentures, gum disease or a dry mouth
• Depression
• Difficulty swallowing

We should ask a loved one’s doctor if any prescription and over-the-counter medicines they take may affect their appetite.

Many senior centers, churches and local Area Agencies on Aging offer free or low-cost meals to adults age 65 and older in their communities. These programs provide not only a hot midday meal, but also the opportunity to get out of the house and socialize with others. Home-delivered meals may also be available. For information about meal programs in your community, contact your city or county Area Agency on Aging.

Healthy eating as memory loss progresses

As memory loss advances, a loved one will no longer be able to prepare their own meals without help. As caregivers, we may be responsible for planning and preparing meals for a loved one and making sure that they’re eating enough nutritious food. Mealtime can also be a pleasant time for us to enjoy each other's company.

To provide the healthiest eating experience possible, we can:

• Serve meals at the same time every day in the same place
• Plan meals with healthy foods a loved one enjoys and allow plenty of time for them to finish eating.
• Offer several small meals and healthy snacks throughout the day if a loved one doesn't have a big appetite.
• Make mealtime quiet and calm — turn off the TV and radio and limit other distractions so a loved one can focus on eating.
• Make easy-to-eat sandwiches and cut-up raw vegetables, fruit and cheese.
• Save desserts and sugary treats for special occasions.
• Make sure foods aren't too hot.
• Serve several small meals throughout the day if a loved one has a low appetite
• Avoid foods that are hard to chew, as these may cause choking.
• Keep a loved one company while they eat

Mealtimes and memories

Eating meals together is an important part of family life. Families of people who have memory loss remember the times when their older loved one taught them how to cook or shared special family recipes with them. Now it's our turn to use these skills to prepare healthy meals that will tempt the appetites of a loved one and help them remain well-nourished and healthy. Just remember that if a loved one is still able and willing to help us with cooking, we should allow them to participate for as long as it is safe to do so to keep them active and engaged in an activity that will help keep their skills sharp.

A version of this article appeared in the Private Health News.