Dementia Support Group

Hm, truthfully, it would depend on what stage she is in, my husband is in Stage 6 and at this point, if he wants BBQ potato chips with Pepsi for dinner, I let him. He deserves to be as happy as he can. Now, don't get me wrong, he doesn't eat that all the time, he eats what we eat, mostly healthy meals but I don't sweat it if it has a little extra sodium, sugar etc. When it was earlier we watched his diet, etc but at this point the doctor says he is on the down hill side so I just let him eat what he likes.

That's just me and he is my husband, I am not a paid care giver and maybe her family expects more from you. I think if you Google something like 'diet for dementia patients' you'll probably come up with some good stuff, cholesterol is a big issue. Probably others will be able to answer your post better than me.

My mother who is 93, has dementia and is in a nursing home. She has always been a small woman and on her best days weighed about 100 pounds. she is now down to 77 and does not eat well. Anything I can get her to eat, I give to her. She will not eat anything sweet anymore and she use to love sweets. She also wants salty foods. If you can get her to eat the potatoe regardless of fat and salt and I would do so. I think part of Mom's problem is that she has lost her taste buds as she sometimes eats things that I know she does not like but does not seem to taste them. Maybe the salt items still taste right.

My feelings are - at this age and stage of life I wouldn't fuss too much about their diet. I would prepare a few healthy options (oatmeal, yogurt, pudding ) then let her decide on the rest.

You are a very good and caring caregiver to be concerned .. I'm sure her family appreciates your efforts.

Thanks very much for the replies. Her dementia is not as advanced as others ...From what I can tell shes between stage 3 and 4. Shes a good eater, I think because she likes me she will eat what I give her.

Right now I'm trying to balance the sweets and healthy food. I really don't mind if she has some cake or cookies, I just don't want it to be all she eats (if I can help it). I have to do most things through her son, since he is power of attorney over his mom and her things.

He wants her to eat healthy but I think that may be just because her last carer only ever gave her pb&j sandwiches and coffee (because she spent more time using her computer and taking Mrs C's money (credit card) than actually caring for her). He wants to know she really is being taken care of, and not just used like before.

So I'm hoping to find a balance for her that works, giving her energy, but allowing some of the "bad" (that we all love! :-P) too because at 89 I think she deserves some cake and cookies! :)

Thanks very much for your replies,

Its really helpful for me to see things from the perspective of someone who has cared for someone longer, so knows a lot more.

Thanks again!

Siobhan.

My Father loves sweets, has for years now and is late stage 6, moving into 7. There are some healthy options for sweets without as much sugar, I make oatmeal cookies and load them up with all sorts of healthy things, fruits, nuts, oatmeal. He loves them and it satisfies his sweet tooth while being good for him.

He likes fresh fruit and can't get enough ice cream, but there are healthy options there too with low sugar, better healty additives.

At some point, getting whatever you can in them is better than worrying too much about what it is and agree with others.

I did find that I had to start holding back some sugar and caffeine after lunch or he would get more aggitated and it would disturb sleep. Chocolate, not after lunch, vanilla ice cream if he wants a treat or healthy cookies. Another good sweet treat is coffee cake with apples or other fruit made with apple sauce.

Key for us right now is just getting him to eat and making sure I get enough fiber in him to keep it moving once in.

You are doing a great job and home cooked meals are so much better. Lower salt is important for my Dad for circulation issues now, but boy he craves potato chips like they are gold. I still sneek him a few, but his feet blow up like balloons.

Such a bugger.

sorry i haven't been on for so long. alot going on. my mom is somewhere between stages 5 and 6. probably closer to 6 she is 86 and the dementia started about 5 years ago. her taste in food changes weekly. at this time, she is into snacking, and i'm talking all day long. she seems to be craving salt which i try to regulate. she is not on any BP meds right now because the doctors in their infinite wisdom took her off them. they say as long as her blood pressure is ok to let her eat what she wants. i do make sure that she has a good supper. so far so good. good luck

Is there any way you can consult a dietitian or nutritionist? Maybe someone in your area would help.