How to Solve Eating Problems Common to People With Alzheimer's and Other Dementias

7 common Alzheimer's eating problems and how to cope with them
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about 6 years, said...

When an alzheimer patient has swallowing problem and puried food is administered, when in Nursing Home should they be in room with patient or close enough by to hear patient should there be a problem with chocking?


almost 8 years, said...

What if she does senseless things like pouring drinks onto the floor, food or table, tipping food out everywhere, rubbing food into clothes etc, and getting agitated and aggressive if you try to stop her from doing so?


almost 8 years, said...

What if she does senseless things like pouring drinks onto the floor, food or table, tipping food out everywhere, rubbing food into clothes etc, and getting agitated and aggressive if you try to stop her from doing so?


about 8 years, said...

My wife has severe scoliosis and is tipped sideways so that when she eats food it often falls onto her lap or the floor. Are there things like adult plastic bibs which would help or can you get specialist chairs which would hel her to stay more upright?


about 8 years, said...

For kchalifour: My husband and I are the primary caregivers for my father. I discovered that my father likes to open his own bottles of water (Dasani is fabulous with no plastic bottle aftertaste), and open his own bottle of Boost. While my husband thought he was helping when he opened bottles, etc, my father then would not drink as he should...it was quite odd. he also is becoming rather picky about food, and refuses "beige" food (except Asian pears...now out of season..), and while he has always loved quesadillas, today he made a face that was pretty hurtful (much like children make). So, for some reason aesthetics is becoming really important to him. If his smoothie is dark (like with blueberries) it doesn't get the "play" that a smoothie made with raspberries gets. Check the flavor of your mother's meal replacement shakes. My father won't drink chocolate Boost, as he says it tastes chalky, but loves the vanilla and the strawberry. There again...color may play a role in your mother's refusal. Hope this helps.


about 8 years, said...

For Florida26: Visit a sight called "TheWrightStuff" They specialize in many items I have not seen anywhere else. You might find the perfect utensils for your husband, as they have different utensils for different needs.


about 8 years, said...

To: kchalifour , The best advice I can give you is to go there at meal time and feed her. Nursing homes won't feed them. They say the resident has the right to refuse. I don't think thats right because they can't make a decision like that. Thats why she was placed in the Nursing home.


about 8 years, said...

My husband has Frontotemporal Dementia and eats well, but chews on the fork and spoon, biting on the tines of the fork. I am looking for hard plastic utensils so that if he chews on them, he won't crack his teeth. Any help will be appreciated.


about 8 years, said...

Hi, my mom is 68 years old and was put in a nursing home in late December due to late stages of Althziemers. Since she was placed in tge home sge has lost 0vet 30 pounds since being placed 2 months ago. She refuses to eat or drink her meal replacement shakes. I'm wondering if anyone would know of ways to get her to eat or meal ideas or anything that will help her to get some nurishment. I'm so worried about her.


over 8 years, said...

Hi, my name is Mary and my dad is 85 years old and My sister thinks he has diamentra what are the symptoms and how do we know for sure?


over 8 years, said...

I wanted to add a few tips about not eating or drinking enough. I have someone help a few times a week and noticed a problem when she fed my Mom lunch, vs. me feeding lunch. It's a simple lunch, but the difference we discovreed is that I brought my Mom in the kitchen while preparing and it's done superfresh before her eyes and she gets to SMELL the food, the toast toasting, for example, and the hot soup. . I completely underestimated the power of AROMA to stimulate appetite. I also make a process of having an nice variety of flavored herbal teas (e.g. various Celestial Seasonings flavors, such as black cherry, raspberry, etc) and would show her two boxes to ask what she would like to drink after her meal. The AROMA of the tea is appealing and a relaxing moment after eating her meal. They usually aid in her digestion as well as give her a relaxing time after her meal as she may take her meds with them too. This guarantees three full drinks minimum each day.


over 8 years, said...

Please look at the medications your loved ones are on for dementia or for what ever. Momma's medicines all have the side effect of poor or no appetite. Also the med's have their own side effect interactions which are harmful. Just because the Dr. prescribes it doesn't mean it is working or good for the patient. If you have a say read your warnings look at how or what or what not is happening or what is happening. Use your voice. It could save your loved ones and help them. And help you! Zyprexa very bad causes rapid heat beat eventually no two ways about it cardiac arrest.. If your loved ones are not psycotic don't give them drugs like that. It will make them like Zombies. Lexapro also no no..it takes their mind away. Aricept for dementia doesn't do any good but it does make you have high blood pressure. High enough you will need two blood pressure med's then you will need eliquis blood thinner that causes internal bleeding.all of these which take your appetite but don't fear now they give you megestrol to give you an appetite but that sends you back to rapid heart rate which eventually you will be back in the hospital with congestive heart failure same side effects as prolonged zyprexa. FDA did a report stating zyprexa is not for elderly dementia patients. Why didn't anyone get the memo? I was told by a Dr. That Dr.s get a kick back for every prescription they write if this is true there you go. Look carefully at all medication. All side effects. Remember one day this could be you. Treat everyone with love, respect and kindness. Read your warning and look at the patient carefully with love. Use God to help you understand the ropes. You are now the eyes..the ears..and the heart for your loved ones. God bless you all...x..o


over 8 years, said...

After posting my article a few minutes ago. I read some of the other articles. I am so sorry life is so hard for you and your loved ones. After reading your articles I realized my Momma doesn't have the problem my siblings have the problem. Your parents won't eat mine will. Either the siblings are too lazy to fix the food or in to big of a hurry with their life to take the time. Or they don't have the patience. Or they plain ole just don't care. That simple!..Thank God I do...Momma will get stronger and come back 100%. With God all things are possible! Thank you all and God bless you with your parents and friends. Please remember they are human. But most of all remember they are in there somewhere. Time and lots of patience and LOVE are needed. What if that was you?! How would you want to be treated. Dignity and Respect. God bless all of you always and forever.. We all need that...x..o


over 8 years, said...

My Momma has drug induced dementia. My siblings and I care for Momma at her house.The siblings just started taking her to their houses. We have Momma two days on two days off. Then five days on and five days on. The siblings started giving Momma boost or some other protien shake in her cappuccino which my brother stated she drinks that - - - t three times a day. And now on their daily log fruit smoothie which no ingredients are listed dont know if it is made fresh or not with very little or no solid food at all So when it is my time and I cook her fresh vegetables and whole meals her stomach is so shrunk and her desire for real food is just not there. It is a struggle to get her to eat. If I sit long enough eating my food she gradually eats. I am happy when she eats what ever portion she eats and I tell her she ate great. Only being served liguids with very little or no food at all five days then feeding her solids is also impacking her intestines. I thought fresh fruits and vegetables along with the chewing process and digestion process is important. Momma has teeth. Why they started boost ect. I don't know. Momma does eat if you fix what she likes when she wants it which is usually pretty much on the reguar scheduled breakfast, lunch, or dinner times. I give her small meal portions and snacks in between her meals. Am I wrong to cook real meals with solid food. I thought boost, etc. was a supplement. Boost like to boost or add to a small appetite not a 24/7 main course in cappuccino three times a day for a meal plan. I thought food was fuel for your body. I feel eating and remembering to eat is important. Momma even ask me for certain foods at times that really makes me feel good. Happy! She wants to eat. To recover I feel food is a very important part of the process. We are what we eat. I know liquids are important too. Momma drinks lots of water with an orange, lemon, lime, or mango squeezed in it. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. This is not a food challenge between the siblings but me wanting a speedy revovery for Momma's health and to get her mental state back. I want her 100%. Momma is a treasure. Now I have put a Kelloggs protien shake in Momma's cappuccino for breakfast before but along with a complete meal not just as a meal. I try to keep her away from caffiene as much as possible. She does have her coke every once in a while. She will ask for water or do we have a nice coke.That gives me hope when she knows what she wants and ask for it. Thank you and God bless you


over 8 years, said...

My sister has been in an Alzheimer's unit for 6 years now. She is at the point where she is only given pureed food and thickened liquids. She must have had a stroke at some point because the left side of her mouth droops. She packs food in her mouth, forgets to swallow, falls asleep while she is eating, and because of the drooping side of her mouth everything wants to fall out. I found the comment someone made about pressing a spoon against her tongue to provoke her to swallow to be very encouraging. I plan to try it the next time I feed her. But she still looks at me like she knows me and smiles sometimes. I found your article very interesting.


over 8 years, said...

I received a phone call from the facility where by mother is living and during the coloring time she ate a blue crayon. I'm shocked... Why would she mistake it for food?


over 8 years, said...

I have a alzheimer's wife and she has begun to sleep all day and when it comes to drinking she may take a sip and then fights me, she use to drink well through a straw but now she just blows bubbles. I have to hold the cup or bottle up to her mouth. Sometimes it doesn't look like she's taking in any of the liquid. How do I get her to drink? Feeding her is getting more difficult as well. She doesn't want to open her mouth, and she will just try to nibble on the tip of the spoon. What do I do? Please help!


almost 9 years, said...

My mother is 92 and has dementia. My father, at 84, is her sole carer and they live in France. She is doubly incontinent - if she eats. As he swears, yells and shouts at her when she messes herself, she is refusing to eat. She has also started staying in bed most of the day. My sister is there now and at her wits end. I am caring for my husband with leukaemia so cant help. Any suggestions or advice on how we can improve this situation? He refuses to seek care help.


almost 9 years, said...

how do I get my mother with Alzheimers to eat when she says she doesn't want to eat or is not hungry?


about 9 years, said...

If your family member or client with dementia will not eat, this can be reversed. Researchers in Europe showed that there are certain nutrition which stimulate the appetite of a person with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. just google "MAL ALZHEIMER"


over 9 years, said...

my client is starting to have issues with knowing how to use her silver ware properly, so I am looking for menu suggestions on what to fix so she can keep her dignity for as long as possible. she loves chicken noodle soup and can still manage that but is really having problems with fork and knife. couldn't eat her pork roast tonight even though it was very tender.


over 9 years, said...

My father choked on chicken tonight. Went in to full cardiac arrest. It's so important to know these eating problems. We didn't know.


over 9 years, said...

This article is packed full of information for a caregiver getting into the very sever stage. I am at the starting of it. I can prepare myself ahead of time. Thank you so much. Thank you so much for the article, I'm just starting in the very severe stage. This will help me prepare for what lies ahead with my husband.


almost 10 years, said...

If you are having difficulty in your patient swallowing try this gently depress the tongue with a spoon each time you want them to swallow it does initiate the eating habbit( not always) but it does help


almost 10 years, said...

Everything in general especially the touching & comunicating


almost 10 years, said...

Whenever my 89 year old Mother takes a spoonful of food she wants asks if she should chew and swollow. Is this common?


over 10 years, said...

I am back to update my experience. There are no techniques to fully solve eating problems of an Alzheimer's patient. What works one meal will not work the next. Accept this is the case and keep trying is my motto. Leaving the plate within reach after my husband has refused to taste the food gives him an opportunity to change his mind. And he has on occasion. I believe no matter how gently we think we are influencing we must be prepared for failure and never give up.


over 10 years, said...

I am going to add another comment. After reading tons of comments, ...there are limited answers, when they will not even sip some soup... I'm getting a feeling it is a sign that it is the end of the line.


over 10 years, said...

So.... My 83 year old mom is in a nursing home now (3 days( . Her personal caregiver and myself were able to feed her when she was at home. (It was a challenge ). I am using the same techniques when I am with her at the home but she will not eat nearly as much. The employees at the home say they have tried everything with no luck. (Including my suggestions ) I can't be there all the time. She is losing lots of weight. Is this a sign of the last stage and death, or can anything be done? Generally she can walk around slowly and communicate , but she is pretty advanced. If you have any ides or experienced this leave a comment. Thanks.


over 10 years, said...

My 79 year old mother-in-law constantly says she is hungry but when we give her food she will only eat a bite or two, if any. And then she will insist it be taken away. Saying she is full, or that she doesn't like it. If we suggest to keep it there for a little while in case she gets hunger again, she only becomes angry till we take it away. She will then say she is hungry again sometimes with in minutes of demanding it be taken away. And if you tell her you just brought her food, and that she demanded it be taken away, she doesn't believe us. So we bring it back or fix something different and she refuses it again. One day we fixed her 4 meals one after another, only to have them all refused and sent away without her even taking a bite, and her demanding more. Not only is it very frustrating and tiring. But, it is getting very expensive to fix and throw away food all the time. We have asked her many times what we can get that she will eat and she will not tell us anything other then potato chips. She drinks water 24/7 but she just refuses to eat. Often she says it doesn't taste good, even when we fix some of what was her favorite foods. Or she will be convinced that everyone else is eating better food then her when we are generally eating the same thing. She has no teeth and refuses to wear her dentures. So what she can physically eat is limited. She is pretty much deaf in one ear and partialy in the other, and also refuses to use her hearing aid. She also refuses to wear her eye glasses. She doesn't really know anyone anymore and often does not even know her children. My husband can go sit with her for hours and when he leaves she will swear he was never there. We are her only care givers, along with our grown son that stays with her 24/ 7. She was fine until two years ago she fell in her livingroom and broke her hip in two places. After surgery they put her on physical therepy for a while. But then one day she just refused to do her therepy anymore. And would do nothing but sit in a chair and watch TV. Then one day she just refused to get out of bed. We have not been able to get her out of bed for nine months now. It's not that she couldn't she just refused to do it. But, now she is unable to even stand and hold her own weight because of just laying in bed and letting her mussels attrify. My husband now has to pick her up and put her in the wheel chair while we change her sheets. And she still refuses to even sit in the wheel chair for any longer then it takes to change her sheets. Not sure what to do she refuses to do anything we suggest. But our main concern is trying to get her to eat. We have also tried to get her to drink Ensure to suppliment but she refused to drink it too. Does anyone have any suggestions for us, we have tried everything we can think of but so far nothing has helped. We tell her she can't servive on potato chips and water and 3 packs of cigs. a day, but she says she can if she wants. She only has two children and her daughter only comes and sees her once every 2-3 weeks for 30 minutes- to an hour on her way though town, even though she only lives 15 minutes away.


over 10 years, said...

I am trying to find out what to do about a moderate Alzheimer with diabetes and vascular issue. My dad eats well, but he just keep eating and ordering his favorites; which are not good for diabetics; like rice soup, rice juice, orange juice, garlic bread with cheese. My family and I have put other food in front of him, he will attempt to eat something else. However, I do not live with him or is caregiver. I have a grown son who does have a compulsive obsessive disorder and he has memory difficulties. He does the same eating the same thing over and over. I had to stop him or not give him. My question is . I suspect this behavior of ordering/ eating the same food, a repetitive memory problem.!!! Yes??


over 10 years, said...

Thanks for the interesting article ,my mother is an alzheimer case diagnosed Lately withparkinsons, she has a good apetite and is interested in food , she shews well but swallows poorly , hence chokes speciially in liquids in spite of using a thickner , this happened only after being hospitalixed and used a ryle tube feeding for 2 months and had an endotracheal tube for 3 weeks , before which she Had absoolutely no problem with eating or drinking, i guess her swalllowing muscles got week, the problem is that she is uncooperative to perform swallowing muscle excercises. My question is : what kind of passive swallowing excercices can help her. . Are medications responsible ( sinamet 250/25-disstigmine added) thaks for your advice. H. Kamel ,Consulant of Pediatric Intensive Care


almost 11 years, said...

Wow! This article was interesting, You have done a service by putting it all in here. My Grandmother was not eating at all after a hip replacement surgery she stopped responding verbally and just hmm'd in response. We are taking her to hospital today. Your Article has given me some Ideas to entice her with food. Paula, thanks much. signed Sathya S Sheelan


almost 11 years, said...

Great article. It took me a little while but realized that my mom was getting really frustrated/sad about making a mess. I found these really lovely bibs that she liked and that really eased eating challenges. http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueStarVermont?section_id=12924995


almost 11 years, said...

Very hard to take care of my mother when I could care less about her!


about 11 years, said...

my father -in-law has alz. and now has puenomia and they is a request from him when this started 7 yrs. now no feeding tube and no DNR, He has been is assisted living for 7 yrs. doesn't know any of us and stares right through us his health is getting worse they want to do a swallow test he seems to be in pain because of his puemoniaand he doesn't know how to cough it up.He is in the hospital he has been there for 5 days.they are doing more tests on his lungs.I know we lost him 7 yrs. ago but I can understand cancer ,heart problems but this is the worst disease I have ever thoght about doing this to my father-in-law Iv'e be married to his son for 30 yrs. he is like a father to me as well as my dad.My husband said he has lost hies father 7 yrs. ago he's right! I can;t accept it might be close to the end. I am so scared adn almost relieved it it does happen soon because it hurts all of the family to see him this way he would never want to be this way at all!he is not living !


about 11 years, said...

Hi Esbm, is he having thick and easy? This works well n fluids and soups etc. I understand how much of a hard decision you are faced with for a loved one. We chose not to have a feeding tube for my grandma as we knew she would have never have wanted it, however it was still a hard decision to make. Sorry it's not much help but I'm thinking of your family at this hard time.


about 11 years, said...

My answer was 'yes', this article helped me - again.Having read it several times in the past I utilized many of the suggestions and have embraced the reasons for changes in my husband's appetite, etc. I also have finally forgiven myself for failing to cook dishes he always liked in the past - forgiveness was hard to come by since the disease robbed him of his preferences. I've had so many conversations about the subject with myself and a narrow-minded wall - I changed so many techniques/meal time and serving dishes; fried food vs steamed/baked/broiled; table coverings and kitchen tv viewing/(((listening))) etc.,etc..


about 11 years, said...

My father is in end stage Alzheimer's Parkinson's. He has been on pureed foods for a few months now. This is now proving to be a challenge and creates a risk for choking. He is in a nursing home facility and I was recently advised to begin to think about hospice. He has a living will and I think that a feeding tube will go against his wishes. I would appreciate any feedback.


about 11 years, said...

Why does patient want to sleep 24 hours a day. Have to wake her to bath, change, feed. She will get out of bed, but as soon as she is settled in chair, she falls back to sleep.


over 11 years, said...

Thank you for your reply however she sadly passed away 5weeks ago, we believe she knew what she was doing and had simply give up. We did manage to get her to eat 3 spoons of custard though so thicker liquids obviously are better, I didn't realise that :) xx


over 11 years, said...

Making sure that liquids aren't too thin, my 91 year old Mother, sometimes chokes drinking water. Someone told me about a product called thicket that can be added to water. Also, good to know to choose thicker soups. Thanks


almost 12 years, said...

Hi, my grandma is in the later stages of dementia, she has now removed her teeth and refuses to put them back in (makes her feel sick) which is resulting in her not eating, doctor has checked for sores but mouth looks fine, I'm just wondering if anyone has been through this before and has any tips on what to do or give them to eat? We have tried build up shakes but refuses to drink them also. Thank you :)


almost 12 years, said...

All of the article. Thanks so much for the insight on all of things we all will deal with one day...or maybe not.


almost 12 years, said...

Help please I care for a close friends wife and now she is taking morphine and atavan. she cant get up her musles are all contracted I try to set her up in wheel chair but it is very painful or tireing for her. The kids come by once in a while and now are concerned that she is not getting enough nutrician. How much does she need? Wont it be painful for her body that is not using it to digest it? I give her liquified Jello, Ice cream and anything she wants when ever she wants but, it appears to me that this causes her a lot of pain after she has something she just wimpers and crys to me when no one is around she can not really talk anymore but I can tell what she is saying I have been sitting with her for months just sitting letting her know that someone is there, I see the pain in her face but the kids they think she is not getting all the suppliments that she needs. I still am looking for the answer Needs? for what? She is not going to get better should it be okay to make her eat these things that cause her pain when it is going to end soon anyway Is it possible for the food and drink to be bad for her alzhiemers? I am desperate now for answers I am fearful that they will blame me for her death when she does die but I cant leave her she needs me and try to think it is not the kids I am there for it is her? I am just at a loss to what to do I can force her that causes tears and chocking, I feel so bad for the kids but on the other hand I have to know that not forcing food on her am I starving her? I really need to know I do not wnat her to be in pain I do not want her to suffer any more but the kids are laying it on me pretty thick. Telling me we need to feed puree potaoes vegi and carbs but will it help her or hurt her


almost 12 years, said...

My husband definitely doesnot drink enough water. But your article motivated me to pay more attention to that. He has very, very dry skin - in fact I 'grease' him up dail ywith Nivea Lotion or else his skin becomes almost crocodile-like. I know it's an on-going problem and I'll just have to be creative and spend more time on it. Thank you.


almost 12 years, said...

The nursing home has tried these all but stir my 95 year old mom refuses to eat more than 10% of her meals. She does drink milk with supplements and is not losing much weight. I believe it is the natural progression of her disease and do not wish to try & stimulate her appetite with megavace. Used a few years back it only served to exacerbate her dementia symptoms & weight gain did not last.


almost 12 years, said...

Outstaonding article....one of the top most beneficial it's filled with direct do's and 'avoid's'. I am bookmarking as a daily reminder because my husband has been exhibiting these behaviors for months. It was corn-off-the-cob for weeks on end.


about 12 years, said...

I need to watch her hydration. I didn't know the symptoms of dehydration.


over 12 years, said...

My wife of 62 plus years is in the final stages of Lewy Body Dementia. Confined to a wheel chair. Can't stand on her own let alone walk. Needs assistance in all things now. Has been hand fed for 2 years or longer. She has severe anxiety attacks pretty much all day long without drugs. I authorized some strong meds that calmed her down. She is in a group home with 5 other residents and 3 caregivers. She eats while sleeping. She still loves food and treats. Her recoginiton of me is minimal at best. I have been living with this slow death since 1996. Do what you can to make them comfortable and show your love by a kiss on the forehead and hold hands when possible. My wife loves to have her hand held even while sleeping. Does she know it is me holding her hand? Only she knows that one.


over 12 years, said...

my daughter recently had a very bad seizure and now will not open her mouth, was in the hospital for seven days and on the 6th day did swallow pureeed food. When back to the home has only twice opened her mouth for them to feed her. Do you have any tricks we could try to help her remember how to open her mouth and swallow?


over 12 years, said...

even tho i knew most of it and my husband is in a later stage there are still somethings helpful. He needs to eat more baby food since the real table foos is getting to hard for him to handle, BUT OF THE MORNING HE STILL LOVES HIS PANCAKES. I ALWAYS USE THICK IT TO THICKEN HIS DRINKS TO THE CONSISTENCY OF APPLESAUCE. SOMETIME I JUST GIVE HIM APPLESAUCE TO EAT AS A SNACK.


over 12 years, said...

Hi , Thank you very much for your question. You may find this article helpful: ( http://www.caring.com/articles/alzheimers-eating-problems ). You can also post your question in our Ask & Answer section if you'd like: ( http://www.caring.com/ask ). I hope that helps, take care! -- Emily | Community Manager


over 12 years, said...

Hi, my father-in-law has been caring for my my mother-in-law exclusively for several years. We finally gave him an ultimatum regarding her care. He hired a very competent woman who gradually left the care to her extremely incompetent sister. The are immigrants from Africa (beside the point). Anyway I have been going to the house as my father-in-law is no longer capable of lifting from the wheel chair to the couch etc. My question to anyone is: How do I get my mother-in-law to swallow? She will eat just fine but will hold liquid in her mouth for minutes and sometimes will choke. What should we do?


over 12 years, said...

Hi, I m developing an eating system to help people with Alzheimer to have better eating experience. I am doing research now and try to develop my project. I found this article very useful and I am willing to heat more opinion from experts and caregivers. Anyone is welcome to make a common or email me your thinking about my project. Now I am trying to design a magnet tray to solve the knock over bowl and water bottle problem. When I think about the utensil part, I would like to receive more information to have a design direction. According to the article, and common sense, bigger handle kitchen utensil is better for the elderly people to grab. What s other problems they may have when using the utensil? What kind of kitchen utensil set is more suitable for people with Alzheimer's? A water bottle, a fork-spoon, a plate? Or a bowl? What is the ideation set? What's the need? Would you or anyone like to share their opinion? Thanks for anyone who may interested in this. I believe good designs can alleviate cargiving burdens and benefit people! Looking forward to hear from you Thank you


over 12 years, said...

Great Info Thanks


over 12 years, said...

My Mother has lost 18lbs in 7 mo. She's never hungry, except for sweets. I hadn't thought of smoothies, or placemats. Thanx


over 12 years, said...

Hello Caring DD, Thank you very much for your questions. If you'd like, you can post your questions in our Ask & Answer section, here: ( http://www.caring.com/ask ). Take care -- Emily | Community Manager


over 12 years, said...

Mom has rapidly moved (how can we call it progress?) from mild to severe in the last 6 months. She is still eating, when she isn't sleeping. Really how important is nutrition at this point in her life. Isn't it better to let her have what ever she wants (except for the butter on the paper napkin) no matter what? Dad offers a variety and sometimes she eats more than others. What is the value of feeding tubes, I had a friend that had one and I think the only reason it worked for him was because his mind was still clear and he needed to stay around for his wife. He died within months of her death. Our folks don't have the clear mind, so why extend the life except for our own needs? I know that not everyone will approve of my message, but I needed to share my thoughts.


over 12 years, said...

Hello rayscheets, Thank you very much for your comment. Here is an article about feeding tubes that you may find helpful: ( http://www.caring.com/articles/caregivers-know-about-feeding-tubes ). I hope that helps. Take care -- Emily | Community Manager


over 12 years, said...

Great comments, however my wife is in a fine home and up to now she has eaten ok now she locks her jaw tight not any solid food in. I have been asked about a tube. She does take suplements. Any experiance with a feeding tube.


over 12 years, said...

More on feeding tubes with someone who will not eat


almost 13 years, said...

Has Jim from Australia heard of "Boost" liquid nutrient? (comes in chocolate, vanilla and maybe strawberry) There is a low sugar/ or sugar-free version, in addition to the regular. My mother's doctor had recommended it for adding nutrition/calories, and I am told that it tastes much better than Ensure ("too chalky"). Walgreens Drug Stores sell it in the midwest of US


almost 13 years, said...

I am having a very hard time admitting to myself that my mom is dying. I am all alone she rarely responds to anything anymore and when she doeds she is very mean.She is completely dependent on me She doesn't even know how to poo any more if she doesn.t go in her depends I have to literally squave it out of her.6 out of 7 days a week i stll take her out shopping or just for ice cream. sometimes I think I am pushing her to hard but I am trying to keep her with me as long as possible. "They tell me she has no clue but there are times I can see in her eyes that she is still here and is torchered by this disease.Weare both miserable and at times still cry in each others arms. I try not to let her see how bad this is killing me but I know she knows. Please pray for us.


almost 13 years, said...

Emily M, Thank you for acknowledging my comment. I understand that you are not in a position to provide direct advice and medical guidelines etc. There is reassurance in reading about the experiences of others who are willing to share some of the self-doubt, frustrations, pain and worry of caring for a family member. The hurt and guilt which comes from the powerlessnes of watching a person who has been special and good throughout their life, slowly deteriorating from the effects of Dementia, can be a lonely business. What I have read here is comforting. God Bless all those involved in providing this site.


almost 13 years, said...

Hi Jim from Aus­tralia, Thank you very much your question. Unfortunately, we are unable to diagnose medical problems for our site members, or provide medical guidance online. While members of our community may respond to your question, we recommend that you contact a doctor offline regarding this medical issue. Thank again for participating in our community! Take care -- Emily | Community Manager


almost 13 years, said...

My wife is 80 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about eight years ago. She has lived on Ensure mixed into flavoured milk now for over twelve months. She has been in care for about six months. She will take no other food. She refuses to take medication and is suspicious of same being put into food or drink. She has a sore mouth and in the last four months has refused to wear her teath. She fights against the Nilstat being put into her mouth to treat it. She is incontinent of both urine and feaces. Sometimes she is constipated to a degree which causes her severe pain. It is a constant battle to get her to take medication for this too. Recently she has been diagnosed with diabetis and we have been trying to find an alternative to Ensure which does not contain sugar. Her doctor and the facility looking after her is arranging for a nutritionins to help but I am writing in case you have any information in your files on similar situations and treatments.


about 13 years, said...

More aware of ways to keep things on an even keel.


about 13 years, said...

My father is not eating much (<16% of food) and is not drinking. He is in a skilled care Alzheimer's unit. He became dehydrated and passed out while they were trying to bathe him. They called us and told us about the problem and suggested IV hydration which we OKd. If he continues not to drink on his own, what are our options? (He told us earlier in his disease that he didn't want to live in such a state and has a DNR order.)


over 13 years, said...

I am new to caring for a dementia patient so all of this is very helpful to me


over 13 years, said...

Thank you for this site. It really gives great informatin


almost 14 years, said...

My problem doesn't fit any of these on the list. My 90yr old mom continues to say she's not hungry and won't eat. When I try to put food out, no matter a little or full meal or what time of day, she continues to say she's not hungry and refuses to eat. If I try to bargain with her to reason with her, she gets mad and has taken to throwing the food at me. Now I'm worried how do I get any calories into her at all? What she used to love, she won't eat, she even gets in the frig and throws food out. What do you do when they refuse to eat? She's gone three days now with only toast and banana. She is mad at me saying I don't feed her any more. I'm at my wits end, nothing I do works. She won't even eat the ice cream and peanuts she used to snack on all day. Do I just let her starve herself? She keeps saying "I'll eat when I'm hungry" and of course she is never hungry.


almost 14 years, said...

My Dad lives with us. He is 80 years old. This morning we had the same argument. We got up to fix him breakfast usually steel cut oatmeal with fresh fruit and nuts or eggs, fruit, cottage cheese, bacon and toast. By far he eats better in the morning than any of us because we all have someplace to be. He decided he wanted cereal. He found the cereal and poured himself a bowl of Raisin Bran. Let me mention that he is over 6 feet tall and about 140 lbs. Therefore cereal doesn't have the necessary caloric intake to maintain a decent weight on the man! So the argument begins. The doctor told him not to eat cereal, because he will eat for all meals then snack on it with Chili Powder on it. He heard the doctor say this and I remind him of it when he asks me to buy some. Since I couldn't get him to stop the doctor told me to stop buying it. I did and nearly faced a lynching from my 4 children who like cereal as a quick meal as they get out the door in the morning for school. Then to appease the natives I bought some and hid the boxes. My Dad found them - just like he finds all my diet, low cal food and proceeds to eat all of it. Now, after this morning I will be back to not buying cereal again and listening to my family complain. I have already taken to storing my "low cal" food in my car until the weather warms up then I will have to bring my groceries to work each Monday and take them home on Friday or else they get tossed by the custodian. I have 2 half sisters from his first marriage and his own sister plus her family that are poised and ready to jump on my back if he is not happy and well taken care of. He doesn't have dementia - been tested; he doesn't have Althzeimers - been tested for that too. He is depressed since my Mom passed and on anti-depresants for that. What I have learned is that he is a stubborn, lazy old man who may very well be taking advantage of how we bend over backward to help him. In the meantime I play this ridiculous game with food and him trying to keep him thriving. It may just be killing me! Ok - enough of my rant. Just had to get that out! Thanks for being there.


almost 14 years, said...

This site is great! Thank you for giving such helpful information or reinforcing things that I have been doing and wasn't too sure if they were the right things.