Food for Thought
Dear Caregivers,
The dinner table is one of the most powerful tools in a caregiver's kit, and that’s not just because everyone needs to eat! For a caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's disease, what's on the plate can genuinely shape what's happening in the brain. Researchers have spent the last two decades gathering evidence suggesting that certain diets—including meals with leafy greens, berries, whole grains, and lean protein—are linked to slower rates of cognitive decline.
But knowing that this kind of diet is healthy is one thing; getting your loved one to actually eat that meal is a different challenge. Over the course of the disease, your loved one may go through changes in their appetite levels, shifts their food preferences, and experience increasing difficulty in using a knife, fork and spoon.
That's why good nutrition planning is actually two projects in one: Choosing brain-healthy foods, and adapting how those foods are served, so that your loved one can still enjoy their meals with dignity and independence.
Work with your NAN Navigator on building a meal plan that adapts to your loved one's changing needs. Food for thought, indeed!
Here are some more resources for managing your loved one’s diet:
The Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Appetite, Taste and Eating Habits:
Alzheimer's disease can impact various aspects of a person's health, including changes in appetite and taste. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
Common Challenges in Eating and Appetite and How to Address Them:
Here are a nutritionist’s favorite tips that caregivers can use to manage the common challenges in their loved one’s appetite and eating habits.
Strategies for Good Nutrition: When Finger Foods Should be on the Menu
As a caregiver you may feel added pressure to ensure your loved one gets the nutrition they need. There are times when finger foods are just the ticket, and allow a loved one to continue eating independently. Here’s a guide.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art."
— François de La Rochefoucauld
