2024-08-28 10:30:00
According to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation Nearly 1.3 million French people are affected by neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease and “related” diseases), with an estimated 225,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Loss of appetite, difficulty using utensils to eat, swallowing problems (dysphagia): Alzheimer’s disease has a significant impact on the way patients eat, leading to malnutrition.
Eating disorders: Why do seniors with Alzheimer’s no longer want to eat?
Alzheimer’s and related diseases can have a significant impact on diet. ” Cohort studies have highlighted the occurrence of unexplained weight loss in the early stages of the disease, often before diagnosis.”, Professor Agathe Renault-Simon immediately confided. Of course, we know that appetite is regulated in the brain and that Alzheimer’s disease affects this organ, but we don’t yet fully understand the mechanisms. Weight loss was also one of the symptoms historically described by German psychiatrist and neurologist Aloïs Albert, who discovered the eponymous disease in 1906.»
Appetite can decrease as we age and develop Alzheimer’s disease or related conditions. The feeling of hunger is less important; the taste becomes worse – this is why older people sometimes tend to eat more sweets, the taste of sugar is better preserved – reduced muscle strength or difficulty holding utensils can disrupt meals. Finally, states of loneliness or depression can directly affect appetite…
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As the disease progresses, patients begin to experience cognitive impairment that impedes their ability to carry out daily activities: shopping, cooking, etc.
“People affected by Alzheimer’s disease can also develop eating disorders, where their diet becomes increasingly monotonous. For example: eating ham/purée every day,” the expert continues.
Finally, in the later stages, patients have difficulty using tableware (apraxia). ” They may also have difficulty chewing and swallowing, and are at risk for aspiration. Sometimes it’s the caregivers or the caregivers in the facility who have to make them eat. Throughout the disease, symptoms can interfere with diet », said Professor Renaud-Simon.
How to help people with Alzheimer’s disease eat?
Whether at home or in a facility, it is sometimes necessary to help someone with Alzheimer’s disease eat. ” We have to keep people feeding themselves as long as possible.“, said the geriatrician. For example: use ergonomic tableware or encourage “eating with your hands.” Today, more and more nursing homes are offering food that can be eaten with your fingers. This both restores autonomy to the dependent and adds to the enjoyment of the meal by maintaining consistency in the dish. In fact, many agencies tend to favor mixed textures out of fear of making a mistake… »
When the patient can no longer eat on his own, the caregiver must take over. In order to eat in the best possible conditions, it is recommended to sit at the same height as the diner; avoid sources of distraction around you (for example, turn off the TV), respect the texture decided by the speech therapist, do not rush the patient and give him time to take his time Chew and swallow food.
Alzheimer’s disease: What foods should you put on your menu to avoid weight loss?
Due to the disease, some patients may not eat enough, forget to eat, and suffer from malnutrition. ” The main challenge is feeding patients who have no appetitedesignated by Professor Agathe Renault-Simon. That’s why the diet must be efficient: that is, the dishes must be rich in protein and energy. Every bite counts! For example, the preparation can be enriched with milk powder, cheese, eggs or even mixed ham. You also shouldn’t skimp on fats like butter, cream or olive oil to liven up your dish. Finally, it’s important to make snacks: People with Alzheimer’s disease often cannot eat large amounts. Therefore, it is necessary to increase food intake and eat three meals and two or even three snacks a day. »
What should be avoided?
To reduce the risk of misinformation, it is recommended to avoid foods with a crumbly, grainy or sticky texture: semolina, rusks, asparagus, etc. We also recommend avoiding foods with a dual texture, such as oranges: hard to chew but juicy.meaning geriatrician. The most important thing is that the patient eats alone for as long as possible. If the caregiver is responsible for meals, a speech therapy assessment is necessary to understand the most appropriate foods and textures. The most important thing is that the patient eats alone, at his or her own pace, for as long as possible… »
What drinks should people with Alzheimer’s disease choose?
Advanced Alzheimer’s increases the risk of avoiding liquids, so we prefer soda to still water. ” Sometimes plain water at room temperature doesn’t leave much of a sensation in your mouth and throatdesignated experts. To reduce the risk of going astray, we should choose fresh soda. When it stings, it triggers more of the swallowing reflex. As the disease progresses, thickened liquids, such as gel water, may also be given. »
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