As your loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease progresses, she may start to experience eating difficulties that can make it harder for her to stay in good health. The eating difficulties can vary from patient to patient, but generally, they can cause weight loss and poor nutrition, which leads to more health problems.

Poor Appetite

Your loved one with this disease could develop a lack of appetite and generally lose interest in eating. This can happen for several reasons. She may have a change in food preferences as her brain is changed by the disease. Or, she could have problems with chewing and swallowing food. Also, coordination problems can lead to issues with eating and drinking.

Fortunately, there are effective ways to increase the appetite of your loved one, as well as their overall interest in food. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Make sure that the food you serve her is attractive and appeals to the eye. A bowl full of colorful chopped fruit looks appealing, for example.
• Do not put too much food on her plate. Give her small portions several times per day; have a few minutes’ gap between each course served.
• Have flexibility and know the best times to serve her food. Some people will have more appetite at certain times , be it breakfast or dinner.
• Have the food hot – she may lose interest if the food is cold. Serve 1/2 portions and keep the rest warm until the first part is eaten.
• Use your microwave to reheat her food during meals.

Also, encourage your loved one to get more involved during meals. Have her help to get the food ready, or to set the table can remind her that it is time to eat. Doing these simple tasks can also help her to keep up her daily living skills and maintain some independence.

Helpful Alzheimer Products for Dining

Our company also has a wide array of helpful dining products that can make mealtimes easier. For example, Amefa Curved Built Up Handle Utensils helps your loved one to more easily hold utensils as she eats. The specially designed flatware makes gripping easier. The knife blade will cut with both rocking and slicing motions. Spoons have an angle to them that allow them to be used with the right or left hand:

Also, consider Food Bumpers, which will clip onto most circular plates that are 9-11 inches in diameter. This handy product makes it easier to scoop food onto utensils. This product is light and weight and dishwasher safe: