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My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s around 3 years ago. She still recognizes the family. Her biggest issue is extreme anxiety. She is on meds for it and ithat helps somewhat. Usually we can help her to calm down with deep breathing. Our newest issue is that she will not eat. Everything tastes incredibly bad to her. Sometimes she even gags. She is living in a care facility so we are limited with meal choices. Even her former favs she doesn’t like anymore. She has lost 7 pounds in the last 10… read more
Answer Summary
Members responded to a caregiver's concern about her mother's dramatic weight loss and food aversion by sharing that taste changes and... Read more
Sadly in the later moderate Alz stage many folks lose appetite because of degeneration of brain cells and refuse many foods and fluids...not an issue for my hubby yet but others who have dealt with poor eating may offer suggestions although care home could offer mom more of a soft diet with Ensure supplements.
Although my Mom did have a change in tastes, most of her problem stemmed from a loss of most of her bottom teeth, which I did not realize for over a month. (She had 7 teeth 10 months ago. She is down to 2 so really hard to eat anything that needs chewing. And a bottom denture will move with chewing and talking as the jaw moves.... so will be very hard to fit and she therefore probably won't wear a bottom denture. Have you noticed anything like this? So any meals that are really soft or easily cut into small pieces seem to get wolfed down... Mac & Cheese, hamburger that is cut very small, fish & chips, muffins, cooked fruit/ fruit salad.
Mom is in a Seniors apartments for now and we bring her food several times a week and she can eat downstairs but she is not crazy over the food either. Perhaps you can bring your kids with you to have a pizza with her one evening a week or so. I know the working and being a single Mom can be challenging.... this disease in itself is challenging!
All the best. -Sharon
@A myALZteam Member Hi Blanche. Try looking at the Tamcummings.com and click on "Stages" button at the top of the page. This is the best list I have seen. Your Momma can have several items from one stage and then rolls into the next stage. This is due to changing brain and physical traits. As to time she has, it rather depends how healthy she is otherwise and what stae she is at.
Welcome to the group and I invite you to ask all the questions you want and read the comments posted daily. This is a very supportive group and ther is lots of ideas how to help your loved one and yourself to face the challenges. Welcome!
-Sharon
I'm new to the group. I'm to a point I need someone to tell me how long moma has or what stage she's in. So many questions....
My mom went thru this. As well as severe depression
and anxiety, food tasted bad, even her beloved coffee it's due of the changes within the brain. She lost a ton of weight. However as the disease progressed she began to eat again. Although in the later stages of the disease, she gained 12 lbs. Give your mother "Boost" a couple times a day to increase her caloric intake and she should start putting the weight back on. Good luck.
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