It is a common problem among patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease characterized by the deterioration of intellectual functions, primarily memory, but can also be affected other areas such as language, the ability to make decisions or carry out everyday tasks, attention, changes in mood, behavior and personality. In this case, we will focus on a specific disorder associated the eating behavior. How can we help to prevent it?
The problems of eating behavior in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease may be due by overfeeding or malnutrition, through rejection of food behaviors, difficulties in swallowing or play with food.
We can not forget that we are in patients with memory problems and guidance, so their habits and how they behave at mealtime can be see disrupted, come to forget in a given phase of the illness if eaten or how successfully use cutlery. It’s a direct consequence of the disease, the same way you can also have sleep disorders or depression. The diet should be balanced and adapted to their needs.
In addition, specialists provide a number of recommendations to help prevent feeding problems. Tips like:
- Maintain a schedule of meals, since changes may involve disorientation. The food is better done by a setting quiet, away from distractions. Eating as a family, be a part of the preparation of the food also helps.
- When developing a balanced diet, always following the medical advice, it is important to include foods that are familiar and they like them, respecting as much as possible their preferences. When preparing the dishes, it is advisable to be attractive in its presentation to arouse the appetite.
- To promote the autonomy of the patient with Alzheimer’s disease as much as possible, encouraging him to eat one while he can do it and, above all, leaving him to eat at his own pace.
- In some cases, people with Alzheimer’s tend to eat too. In these cases, it is best to reduce the amount on the plate and, between meals, include in his diet healthy and low-calorie foods such as fruit or low fat products.
Can Alzheimer’s disease be prevented?
Alzheimer’s disease remains unknown in many respects. A disease that evolves by stages and that vary widely from one patient to another. Thus, in the initial phase is characterized by loss of memory for recent events, difficulty retaining new information or changes and alterations of humor. At this stage the patient may live independently, even though some of its capabilities (thought or frameworks) are affected. Studies and research has indicated that the fact of staying active with hobbies that involve mental stimulation, can help prevent the disease but, yes to retard its effects. In other words, increased physical and mental activity helps slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but does not rule out the fact of suffering.