How to help Alzheimer patients to eat and drink healthily

Posted by RachelledeBretagne on September 18th, 2010

One of the most difficult problems to cope with when treating an Alzheimer's patient is getting them to eat at regular times, sufficiently to meet their nutritional needs. The patient may seem disorientated at the best of times, but their lack of interest in food and in routine need to be addressed for their own safety. Unfortunately, in the later stages of the illness, one of the side effects is difficulty in swallowing. It is natural therefore that if a patient feels this difficulty, they will avoid eating, which in turn can lead to dehydration.

Early stages

In the early stages of Alzheimer's, it's important to remember that the patient may be disturbed by what is happening to them. They seem disorientated at times and distant. One of the best ways to encourage them to eat is to find a place for dining where there are very few distractions, as these disorientate them further.

For example, within the home, turn off the television or radio. Make sure that the focus is on the meal. Too much activity will also disturb them. Try to get family members to understand that a lot of movement may distract them from eating, and that it's vital you all pull together to help them get through what is essentially a difficult task.

Try foods which you know they enjoy. This takes the disliking of certain foods out of the equation. A good diet which caters for their nutritional needs is vital, and although sometimes their likes and dislikes will change, you will be able to note which type of food they actually enjoy the most and use this to advantage. For example, if they find eating mashed potatoes easy, often things such as white fish can be hidden within the potato to help them to eat both easily without actually being aware of it. Look at the things they have difficulty with eating and which cause them problems with digestion or constipation and diarrhea and try to avoid those foods, talking if necessary with a nutritionist or your local doctor to ask how you can control these elements.

Balance of liquids and solids is vital, as well as having sufficient exercise as part of their health regime. At the end of meals, try to keep the patient still for a while to aid their digestion process. Often if laid down too soon after a meal, the experience will be a bad one which they will associate with eating and which will make future meals more difficult.

Middle stages.

When the patient shows an aversion to anything solid, it may be time to introduced foods which have been liquidized. Having a blender is essential, as this will be a tool which is used every day to help them with their meals. Look at their favorite foods, and remember there is nothing delicious about mixing up all the meal and blending it. Instead of opting for this option, blend foods separately so they can still enjoy the tastes of the different foods. It makes the world of difference because the blended taste of meat, vegetables and gravy doesn't taste the same to them as they would if serves separately. If they can taste familiar tastes that they love, they are more likely to respond to them.

For deserts, try using natural yogurts as these are helpful to their needs, though if they really are difficult desserts which are more tempting can be introduced, which incorporate fruits, giving them the vital vitamins they need.

Although the food is less tempting than proper food, tempt them by putting the food onto a spoon, and feeding to them in this way. A mistake that carers often make is feeding them too fast. Slow is essentially the best speed to feed them, since the difficulty of swallowing is exaggerated if you try to introduce more food before they have actually swallowed.

A small spoonful of food is easier for them to handle. Don't force them to eat things they don't like because you may make the patient even more difficult. Pureed fruit is a good way to introduce their quota of fruit. Pureed potatoes, or separated vegetables are actually quite tasty and may tempt them. They may be embarrassed at first in moments of lucidity. Let the feeding process be fun and learn from it which things they respond to.

One thing which is common with Alzheimer's patients is taking a dislike to a particular carer. If this happens try to get someone else to try feeding them. It may simply be a question of catering to their mood.

Remember to give the patient sufficient liquid and water is a great one. If they have limited use of their hands, try a straw. If they find this difficult, introduce a baby mug with a spout as this ensures that they don't spill the drink. Try drinks which are healthy and avoid sodas and fizzy drinks as much as possible.

At this stage of the game, if they really are being difficult, encourage them to drink dietary builders such as specialized yogurts or health desserts used to build protein. Ask the doctor for help with this, as they will be able to suggest alternatives available and suited to the patient.

Later stages.

In the late stages of Alzheimer's the patient may not want to eat at all. They may be difficult and also less able to swallow. If they enjoy a cup of tea or something like that and find that the easiest thing to drink, try and use this to your advantage, introducing liquid foods. With the decided lack of activity, their needs will be less but they will still be prone to dehydration if they do not eat and drink. Try introducing soups which are tasty or which are strong favorites. Remember that at this stage what was a favorite yesterday may not be today, but it's worthwhile trying. Encourage them to sip from their baby mug even by showing them how it works. They may need baby style encouragement. ?Here you are! Take a sip of this. It's your favorite.? Then show them how to hold the cup, and hold it up to their lips but never force them. ?That's lovely isn't it? encourages them to try.

It sounds like it's all very difficult to encourage an Alzheimer's patient to eat, but really it's a situation which evolves and the carer learns day to day what particular tricks work with that patient. Their knowledge of the patient and their behavior helps considerably in applying psychology that works. One of the most negative aspects of feeding an Alzheimer's patients is giving them the impression they are being forced to do something they don't want to do. Avoid it if at all possible. Their minds are not as flexible as healthy people. They don't see things in the same way as healthy people do, and may actually believe you are trying to poison them.

If they refuse to eat with you, don't take offense. Tomorrow they may be perfectly alright with you feeding them, but if you insist against their will, they will become difficult and associate you feeding them with their internal struggle or fears. Share the load, and make it more fun. Give them a variety of foods, and adequate drink, ensuring they do have water. If it gets to a stage where they can no longer be fed, you will need professional help. As soon as you see difficulties in encouraging them any more, consult with a specialist or doctor and try to get professional help so that their nutritional needs are always met. Do this as soon as problems look like worsening, so that provisions can be made for nursing aid, or help from professionals who will be able to show you methods which work.