The Ultimate Comfort Food: A Family Meal!
Dear Caregivers,
When I think of the upcoming Thanksgiving meal, I think of comfort. There are foods that are traditional, and hark back to the very beginnings of the United States. There are foods that every family eats that form their own familial “traditions”—my kids insist on my making a pecan pie, every year. And finally, there is the “comfort” of the reduced stress of making a meal that I’ve created over and over through the years, with food everyone loves simply for what it is, not because it is so spectacular that it will be written up in some gourmet blog somewhere.
Of course, if you are a caregiver of someone suffering from Alzheimer’s, there can be an added stress around mealtime that comes in multiple dimensions. You may find that your loved one has a reduced appetite, changing food preferences, perhaps even forgetting that they’ve eaten a meal or not being able to recognize a particular food. In the middle stages of the disease they often develop difficulty using utensils, and in the later stages, they may have trouble chewing or swallowing. All of this can contribute to dehydration and malnutrition for your loved one, and a lot of stress and concern for you.
To manage these changes and challenges, be prepared to adjust your routines. Try to have meals in a calm environment. Have your menus focus on nutrient-packed foods including lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables, and make sure there is always drinking water handy. Experiment with serving more frequent, smaller meals, and keep in mind that for some individuals in the later stages of the disease, “finger foods” can help your loved one retain a sense of independence.
And, of course, since the social sphere is so important at mealtime—witness the gathering of the clan around the Thanksgiving table—try to eat with your loved one if you can, to encourage their participation and to make every meal, not just Thanksgiving dinner, a celebration of family.
Here is some more advice on how to make the most of meal times:
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 an overview.
Six Smart Meals – A Latin American Variation:
We are all used to eating three meals a day, but did you know it may be better to eat more often? Eating six small meals a day refuels the body with smaller amounts of energy throughout the day, thereby reducing the number of ups and downs in your energy level. For this “special edition,” we’ve chosen foods that might appeal to fans of Latin American food.
The Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Appetite, Taste and Eating Habits:
It is well known that memory and other aspects of a person’s cognitive abilities are affected by Alzheimer's disease, but the illness can also impact various other aspects of a person's health, including changes in appetite and taste. Here’s a guide.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“The best meals often have very little to do with the food itself.”
— Anthony Bourdain
