Question
My patient who is 87 with dementia has lost a significant amount of weight. He just isn't hungry and his weight has dropped. I alerted the doctor as well as his visiting nurse yet since he is still about 10 lbs over weight they havent said anything. He has lost almost all muscle mass. As a caregiver I really don't know what to do at this point. I give him Ensure and he drinks that but hardly eats anything. I need advice.
— Caring.com Community Member, knightklown
Answer
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Expert Based in Land O' Lakes, Florida, Joyce Simard is a social worker and geriatric consultant specializing in dementia care. She's the author of The End-of-Life Namaste Care Program for People With Dementia and the children's book The Magic Tape Recorder .
People with dementia often become depressed and just lose their appetites. Ask his doctor about this concern as there are medications to stimulate appetite. If he will exercise with you it may help his muscle mass as well as lifting his spirits.
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