Nutrition for Alzheimer’s Disease Patients

by Benny Arce

The care and management of patients afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is often a difficult task. This becomes more difficult as the disease progresses to its advanced stage. Yet right at the onset of AD until the end, it is necessary to provide patients with proper Alzheimer diet and nutrition to help them live a more comfortable life without any additional problems that come from poor eating habits.

The Ground Rules

Alzheimer  nutrition is not significantly different from that prescribed for the rest of us –a balanced diet high in fiber; low in fat, cholesterol, sugar, and salt; with plenty of fluids.

Food for Alzheimer’s patients should include fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and bran cereal as these are excellent sources of fiber. Coupled with eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, this will help pass the stools and thus prevent constipation. Prunes also help.

Patients suffering from other medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, however, may have to restrict their fluid intake. In such cases, laxatives or mild stool softeners may be used, but only with the doctor’s permission.

Alcoholic beverages may be taken but only in moderation and, again, only with your physician’s consent. If the patient is taking any regular medication, find out from your doctor or nutritionist if any food might interfere with its efficacy.

Moderate exercise should complement proper nutrition. A daily vitamin or mineral supplement is also advisable.

Avoiding Dry Mouth

Aging and certain medications can often leave the mouth feeling dry. This is an uncomfortable feeling and can induce additional stress in AD patients.

To help alleviate this condition, patients should be given plenty of fluids. Unless restricted by their physicians, the norm is eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

Solid foods as toast, bread, cracker, and cookies can be steeped in milk, chocolate, or coffee not only to soften them but also to take in more fluids. Gravy, melted butter, sauce, and broth can also be added to meat, fish, or fowl. If these are not enough, a sip of water after each bite can also be given.

Sour candy and fruit ice both stimulate the production of saliva. Some commercial mouthwash preparations, however, contain alcohol and can dry the mouth. If you feel the patient needs a mouthwash, request your doctor for a prescription.

The Dining Area

Getting AD patients to eat their food can sometimes be a challenge. This is especially true when they can no longer remember how to use eating utensils. You have to teach them how to handle spoons, forks, and knives every meal time.

Providing a sedate environment that is familiar and comfortable in the dining area can sometimes help calm them. Avoid frequently re-arranging the furniture as this is distracting to them. Do not use loud and aggressive colors, sticking instead to pink, peach, beige, ivory, lavender, light green, or light blue. Use flat instead of glossy paints as glare could be disorienting. This applies to the floors as well.

Lighting should avoid stark shadows. These, too, could be disturbing. Ceiling lights that provide ample lighting are best. Soft background music, particularly a patient’s favorites, can also help calm his or her nerves.

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