In order to keep the body strong and healthy, proper diet and nutrition is necessary. In case of any illness, the body often gets deprived of sufficient nutrients, and for a person with Alzheimer’s disease, poor nutrition may increase behavioral symptoms and the severity of the disease. Whereas good nutrition, on the other hand, can ease some symptoms and help them feel good.
When you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, there are simple ways you can make eating healthier, easier, and more enjoyable. The basic nutrition tips discussed here can help any person with Alzheimer’s, and the health of the caregiver too. Personal care at home in this scenario may be a big help to maintain a proper dietary routine for the patient.
Reasons For Not Eating Enough
Alzheimer’s disease itself is a major concern in old age that is incurable yet. Besides, there are several reasons for which eating often seems to be insufficient for the body of the patient. Here are some common reasons of lack of nutrition in seniors:
- Reduced appetite
- Not been able to socialize
- Too many eating options available at a time
- Confusion with the cutlery
- Feeling full most of the time
Basics of Regular Diet
There are some basic points to keep in mind at the time of structuring the dietary plan for your affected loved one. These tips can become very effective for your senior:
- Provide a balanced diet with a variety of foods
- Limit consumption of foods having high saturated fat and cholesterol
- Minimize the intake of sugar
- Restrict food with high sodium and reduce the use of regular salt
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids
Below is a list of dietary suggestions that can be followed for a better result in seniors with Alzheimer’s:
- At least three servings of whole grain per day.
- Green vegetables six times a week at least.
- Red meat less than four times a week.
- Fish at least twice a week.
- Poultry thrice a week minimum.
- Use cooking oil less and use olive oil more.
- Less than a tablespoon of butter per day.
- Nuts at least five times a week.
- Serving of cheese less than twice per week.
- Berries twice a week at least.
- Maximum four to five pastries or sweets per week.
- One glass of wine maximum every other day.
- Fried or fast food maximum once a week.
As time goes by and the disease progresses from mild to severe, loss of appetite and weight loss may become major issues. Your senior’s doctor may suggest some supplements to add some calories to the diet in these situations. Even more common in later stages of the disease is for the patient to get dehydrated.
In such cases, personal care at home can be a crucial way for your senior to meet their basic needs. As the disease affects the memory of the patient, everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning can be difficult. Personal care at home can take this burden off you and your family. Call us today and review your options!
If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Purcellville, VA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands today. (703) 782-3655
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