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Malnutrition as a Result of Alzheimer's Disease?
By Mike Herman
Some of the most difficult aspects of Alzheimer's disease are
the problems associated with eating and drinking. This can be as
mild as coping with a food fad or as serious as malnutrition.
It's quite common for Alzheimer's sufferers to develop food
fads. These are exasperating as it's difficult to make an adult
eat, especially if they are stronger than their carer or they
have developed a fear or severe dislike of what they are being
given. It can be an extremely challenging situation for any
carer to find themselves in.
It's naturally important to ensure the Alzheimer's sufferer
receives a well balanced and nourishing diet. It is also
important but more difficult to ensure that they also have
sufficient fluid intake.
Fluids may be an integral part of anyone's diet, but Alzheimer's
patients may forget or not bother to ask for a drink. It's
surprisingly easy for this to go unnoticed and for a carer not
to realise that their fluid intake is insufficient, especially
in hot weather or if the central heating is on full blast. To
avoid these problems drinks should be offered on a regular basis
and a cold drink left nearby to remind the Alzheimer's sufferer
to take fluids.
Fruit and vegetables are essential as they provide the vitamins
and fibre needed to keep the body well nourished. Further fibre
can be obtained by consuming wholegrain bread and biscuits and
an excellent way of ensuring vitamin C is consumed is by
offering orange juice.
Medical assistance may be required if the patient spits out
their food or refuses to eat as they may have some gum disease
or intestinal problem. Their dentures may have become loose
fitting or they may have lost their sensation of taste. They may
also experience difficulty in swallowing which could be a sign
of more serious problems.
care givers should also ensure that the Alzheimer's sufferer is
having their bowels open on a regular basis. This is because
constipation is one of the leading causes of a loss of appetite
and if left untreated it can lead on to more serious
malnutrition. Regular medication (laxatives) can be prescribed
to reduce these symptoms while adequate fluid levels will also
help.
About the author:
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