Unfortunately, because of the physical and emotional changes due to dementia, there may be a unhealthy affect on an individual’s diet and how they view their food. As the illness progresses there are frequently conspicuous changes in their eating routine and their capacity of eating a standard meal. There, might be problems with swallowing food, shortage of appetite or a change in their taste preferences. It is important the person enjoys their food and eats a healthy, well-balanced diet that provides all of the nutrition their body requires to remain healthy. By making some adjustments you can help in keeping mealtimes as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Eating healthily doesn’t suggest certain foodstuffs should not be eaten, but should be served sparingly.
If you consider the sorts of foods the Alzheimer patients like and which ones they dislike, together with their capacity to control the food you serve, they should have more of an interest in their food. Stimulating their interest in how you serve their meals is an excellent method of doing this.
It is important they drink at least 8 cups of liquid per day. Some examples are water, tea, coffee or juice. A low intake of liquid is probably going to result in dehydration, which increases the chance of hard stools.
Sadly some folks suffering dementia don’t realize they’re dehydrated and will go for lengthy periods without drinking unless spurred by a caregiver. Choosing a selection of foods from the 5 different food groups is a good way of making sure an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s is getting a balanced intake of food needed for ideal health.
Fruit and Vegetables
5 portions of fruit and vegetables should be offered each day to provide the many differrent nutrients our body’s require. Fruits, (including dried fruits and juices) and vegetables are jam packed with fiber and vitamins, including antioxidant vitamins C, E and beta-carotene. These foods help in the protection of healthful body cells from damage and help the immune system fight infections. Beta-carotene is found in yellow and orange fruit and vegetables and in dark green leafy veggies. An excellent source of Vitamin E is in green leafy vegetables, vegetables oils, butter and nuts.
Vitamin C is needed for healthy gums, teeth and skin. A superb source of this vitamin can be found in oranges, strawberries and kiwi fruit, tomatoes and potatoes. Drinking juice each day is a good way to guarantee an acceptable intake of vitamin C, particularly if the individual has problems eating fruit.
Milk And Dairy Food
Cheese, yogurt, milk, puddings, custard, and other milky drinks provide calcium for bones and teeth and protein which is required to build and repair body tissues, muscles, and bone. Vitamin D found in fish oil aids the assimilation of calcium.
Bread, Cereals, And Potatoes
Foodstuffs like bread, pasta, breakfast cereals, and potatoes provide energy and are rich in B vitamins, helping to keep the blood and nervous system healthy and help break down foods to release energy.
Meat, Fish, And Protein Alternatives
Poultry, beef, eggs, fish, offal, beans, nuts, lentils and soy products like tofu contain a good source of protein. They also provide some additional B vitamins. Beef, fish, and eggs are also an excellent source of vitamin B12, which is required for a healthy nervous system and formation of red blood cells. B12 is quite often deficient in older people, particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease. B12 deficiency, even in those without Alzheimer’s, can cause brain fog, numness and tingling of joints, and serious neurological problems.
Iron found in liver and red beef, oily fish, liver kidney beans and lentils helps in keeping the blood healthy. Also eating a good amount of fresh fruit and vegetables high in vitamin C will aid with the assimilation of iron from food. Oily fish, such as salmon and sardines, is a particularly good source of necessary omega-3 oils. They assist in maintaining a healthy heart and nervous system. It’s a good idea to get into the practice of consuming oily fish at least one time a week if at all possible. If the person doesn’t eat beef or fish, foods like beans, peas and lentils, nuts, eggs, cheese and soy products can be eaten as a replacement.
Fats, Oils And Other Foods
Margarine, butter, olive oil, ghee and vegetable oils shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities as they’re a concentrated source of energy. Margarine and vegetable oils, provide an excellent source of vitamins D and E.
Other Foods
Cakes, pastries, biscuits, confectionery, crisps, and soft and alcoholic drinks aren’t nutrient rich and generally only provide calories or energy from fat and sugar. These shouldn’t be consumed too often. They may affect the hunger for more tasty foods. However they can be offered as a treat.