We all require adequate nutrition and hydration in order to stay healthy, but those with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease are at a higher risk for malnutrition because of problems with eating and swallowing. Additionally, those with swallowing difficulties can breathe liquids or food particles into the airway and lungs, putting them at an increased risk for developing pneumonia. If your loved one has late-stage Alzheimer’s, the following strategies can help him or she eats and drink safely:
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Create a Calm, Quiet Eating Environment
It might be tempting to turn on the TV or radio while helping your relatives eat, but the noise can be distracting for those with late-stage Alzheimer’s. Have your loved one eat in a calm, quiet place, using a simple table setting if he can still use utensils.
Make Sure Your Relative Is Comfortably Seated
She should be seated upright while eating and should stay upright for at least 30 minutes after eating in order to aid digestion.
Be Patient and Adaptable
Eating will take longer during the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, so try to allow plenty of time for meals. Over time, you might have to make adjustments to your loved one’s changes in food preference or the amount of desired food. People with late-stage Alzheimer’s sometimes eat more if they’re offered smaller meals or snacks throughout the day, rather than three larger meals. Take every opportunity to offer a variety of food; try to find what she finds acceptable.
Choose Easy-To-Swallow Foods
Provide soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as pudding and mashed potatoes. Bite-size and finger foods, such as cubes of cheese, also work well. If your relative no longer eats solid food, try mashing up or pureeing the food you cook in a blender.
Encourage Fluids
Alzheimer’s disease (as well as normal aging) sometimes affects people’s ability to realize they’re thirsty, so it’s important to provide frequent opportunities to drink liquids. If swallowing water is difficult, try offering fruit or vegetable juice, soup or yogurt, which are all water-based. You can also try thickening liquids by adding cornstarch or unflavored gelatin. Tea and coffee also count toward liquid intake.
Be Prepared for Choking Problems
Since late-stage Alzheimer’s often includes swallowing problems, coughing and choking are serious risks during meals. Learn how to do the Heimlich maneuver and be prepared for choking emergencies.
Encourage, Then Help
Even during late-stage Alzheimer’s, some people can still feed themselves to some degree when given cues and encouragement. Try guiding your loved one through the first bite and see if this prompts self-feeding. If your relative can’t feed himself, offer food and beverages slowly, making sure that everything is swallowed before offering the next bite or sip. Reminders to chew and swallow can move the process along.
Get Referrals for Speech and Swallowing Therapists
Your primary care doctor can guide you to these therapists, who can watch your relative swallow and make further recommendations regarding how to swallow and what types of foods are appropriate for them at this stage.
