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Could You Share Any Dietary Changes And Tips That Have Helped With Your Loved One's Alzheimer’s?

myALZteam asked a question 💭
San Francisco, CA
March 25, 2024
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Answer Summary

Members shared diverse dietary approaches for loved ones with Alzheimer's, with many emphasizing soft, easy-to-swallow foods like mashed... Read more

Members shared diverse dietary approaches for loved ones with Alzheimer's, with many emphasizing soft, easy-to-swallow foods like mashed potatoes, applesauce, soups, smoothies, and puréed meals as the disease progresses, while others noted the importance of reducing sugar and carbs due to emerging research linking Alzheimer's to diabetes. Several members recommended practical strategies including smaller frequent meals throughout the day, high-calorie supplements like Ensure Plus for weight maintenance, adding heavy cream or butter for extra calories, Mediterranean or MIND diets rich in vegetables and fish, and creative ways to hide vegetables in blended sauces. A recurring theme was the shift from strict nutritional rules to prioritizing comfort and happiness in later stages, with many members encouraging caregivers to offer favorite foods without guilt, stay flexible as preferences change unpredictably, focus on hydration to prevent UTIs, and remember that maintaining weight and keeping loved ones content matters more than dietary perfection when facing a terminal illness.

A myALZteam Member

This is a hard question to answer because it changes over time. Of course you want to give them nutritional diet and at first nothing much changes. Then you may find that their tastes change. Things they used to like may not appeal to them anymore. Sometimes texture is a big deal. As things progress, there may be more changes like needing softer food or having things like steak cut into small pieces so it’s easier to chew. Finger foods might be easier to eat. They may love sweets. That seems to be common. Nothing wrong as long as the sweets are limited. As they get into the later stages you have to move to softer foods. Them may have problems swallowing capsules or large tablets and you will need to be mindful that they don’t choke on their food. Toward the end they will need puréed foods and eventually they will stop eating. Basically your goal is to have nutritional meals considering any diseases they may have diabetic diet, low sodium etc. however, we are working with a terminal disease. By the time they are in a moderate stage, prevention tactics, really aren’t going to help. Pick your battles. You need to keep them comfortable and happy. Watch their weight so they are maintaining, make sure they have plenty of fluids. And if you have a specific eating problem, check in With your Alz team, and they will have a bunch of suggestions.

March 25, 2024
A myALZteam Member

It seams coconut related foods and spread is very good for people with Alz. Just keep an eye on the cholesterol. It actually has a reputation of improving mental abilities. Some research on this was done and I saw a couple of videos also. My own experience as caregiver can confirm this. Also in addition to chicken, red meat, fish, and prawn made a difference. We also rubbed the neck where it connect with the skull, with a oil called miracle magnesium which gave incredible results.

March 26, 2024
A myALZteam Member

During the last year of my husband's life I gave him whatever he wanted to eat. I tried to limit his sugar intake with smaller portions but never, ever refused him. He loved bananas and would eat 2 or 3 a day. His comfort was the most important thing to me.

March 25, 2024
A myALZteam Member

When my mom had Alzheimers I would try to have some of her favorite snacks around including fruit, not just sweets. What I learned was that she did not want to eat alone so, I would take the time to sit with her and eat. This was true of her regular meals, too.

March 27, 2024
A myALZteam Member

Dear Toyong, So hard for you to have watched your wife go through this end of life shutdown of her mind and body. A blessing it was not prolonged although 5 days must have felt like a lifetime. It sounds like the coma protected her from pain and anguish. We hope as we stay with our dying loved ones that they can feel our presence and love. Hope you are getting much support in your grief and hoping that happier memories help you through this deeply sad time. Take care.

May 21, 2024

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