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My partner, 85 years, was never fat. But as his memory loss has increased, he is getting thinner and thinner, despite eating a half container of ice cream every evening. He does not have other physical problems, such as a thyroid problem or diabetes.
I have seen this with my clients who have Alzheimers.
I would like to know about your experience with weight loss by a spouse or parent who has Alzheimers or memory loss due to aging. It would really be a huge help as I worry about his weight loss.
Thank you

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Yes in the last 3 months of her life, mom was losing weight as her body was no longer uptaking the nutrients properly.
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My father doesn't have either Alzheimers or dementia, but there has been a definite weight loss. However, once I learned he had dysphagia again, I attributed it to that.

I have noticed some short term memory loss but it's non inconsistent with someone who's inching up to turning 98.

There's definitely an appetite; he's just not regaining the weight he's lost (about 12.5% of his normal weight).

Pam, did your medical team recommend anything to help your mother absorb nutrients more effectively? So far the doctors have just recommended Boost, Ensure, drinks like that.

I've been wondering if there are specific foods with enzymes that might assist in metabolizing nutrients. Anyone know what kind of doctor might deal with this aspect? Would a nutritionist be a better choice?

AD, are you thinking that the memory loss and the weight loss are related in dementia, or are they a function of declining age?

I think maybe I need to do some research on this topic.
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My cousin has Vascular Dementia due to strokes. Over time she lost a great deal of weight, though, we didn't know why, at first. She lost interest in food, however, now that she has progressed with the dementia to the severe stage, she eats quite well. She has still lost more weight, despite eating well. She receives regular palliative care and there is no reason for it. It's just her body is not absorbing the way it used to do, even with extra calories. She is not underweight, but I expect that will come. Either that or she will eventually lose her good appetite.

I have read that it not uncommon for the patient who is progressing with dementia to stop being able to absorb the nutrients in the food, so even if the calories are consumed, they are not utilized by the body. I'd discuss it with his doctor, just to rule out anything else and make sure it's no food allergy.

I have noticed that most of the residents in the Memory Care facility where my cousin lives, are rather thin. The more severe their condition, the thinner they appear.
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This issue has been troubling me so I did some research and found some good articles on nutrient absorption in the elderly. Some of it is lack of specific vitamins and minerals, some because of mlld or severe dysphagia, some because of inadequate water intake.

I think the underlying problem also is that the elderly aren't as active, don't need as much food, and even if they do get a well rounded diet, it's not always at the level of nutrients they need.

I've been wondering as well if part of it is attributable to the lost pleasure of cooking and baking, assuming that both men and women enjoyed this aspect of food preparation, or just enjoyed the process of having someone else do it. Meal prep is a major aspect of life that's changed in old age.

It's not quite the same to create something as it is to heat up a Meals on Wheels dinner, even though from what I've seen they're well rounded meals. Maybe some more sensory stimulation is needed? I'm going to do some more research to see if I can find foods that do stimulate appetite.

Looks like another issue to address in my father's diet.
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Great topic! My FIL has lost about 20# in the last year, despite a good appetite. I too will look into this possible absorption issue, but we have just started supplementing with Boost type shakes to help him at least maintain his current weight.
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This is what's been recommended to us as well: Boost and Ensure and similar products, but I hate adding something that's so processed. I've found that some smoothies are good, but the one with spinach kind of turned me off, much as I love spinach.

I did find that seniors sometimes lack these essential vitamins and minerals that affect absorption: B-12, calcium, D, potassium, magnesium, fiber, Omega 3- fats and water. The emphasis though was on fresh fruits and vegetables. Not a problem for younger people, but most of these are the ones that are limited in a dysphagia diet (even if Dad has really improved).

Maybe fruit smoothies with a bit of ice cream are a good possibility. I think I'll avoid a spinach or broccoli smoothie though, even though I do love both veggies.

Stacey, could you let us know if the Boost helps your FIL maintain his weight?
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GA, Yes, I like your idea of smoothies, but I will need to watch the natural sugar content, as my FIL is a mild diabetic, whose Dr just removed him from taking his Glucophage (diabetic med) because his BS lab values have been so normal. I know that he would Love those too!
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Garden Artist: Ensure--only as absolute last resort. Read the label for its contents. Anyone can do better making their shake, smoothy at home that is customized to their loved one's preferences. At least two of our clients who are nearing 95, they react badly to fruit.
with all due respect, I perceive that you are sending posters down the wrong track with your theory. What I am speaking about is absolutely related to memory loss.
Other poster. Thank you for sharing your experience. I will do background research and when I have a clearer answer, other than my own observations, I will post it here. Some expert must know the answer to our concerns.
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my moms memory care place told me last week she weighed in the 120's - I got very upset at them because she was 138 and they were supposed to be giving her yogurt shakes and making sure she sat own for her meals...
they also said her thyroid was LOW (not high) and I told them I wanted her treated a few months ago for that.
She eats every bite on her plate - she obviously needs an afternoon snack and a drink
The thing with my mom is that she, at 89, is always on the go.
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My husband lost a lot of weight -- more than 50 pounds -- early in the course of his Lewy Body Dementia. Fortunately he could spare them. His loss was not in proportion to his decreased appetite. He was eating considerably more than one would expect with that kind of weight loss. I'd say his body was simply not able to use all the calories he took in.
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I found a great link that covers a lot of information, but we are not supposed to post links. I'll try to post it to you directly.
You may also find it by using key words "nutrition dementia international. It's an ALZ site that is 88 pages long.

It says that there is no evidence that supplements do much good helping those who are losing weight due to dementia. Hmmm.....it's a long booklet. It's very detailed.
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No one has mentioned decreased exercise. As my husband's memory has declined so has his activity and his ability to do things he used to like doing Can exercise be part of this problem?
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I'm interested in this subject too. My hubby is losing weight although he has a good appetite. He is 90 yo, no Alzheimers but some age-related memory loss, advancing Parkinsons symptoms including mild dementia but no swallowing problems, and a very recent diagnosis of an aggressive form of lymphoma. His weight loss could be from several causes, but in trying to maintain his weight I asked the nutritionist at the cancer center for a recipe. She told me that the supplements like Boost Plus are generally better balanced nutrition than homemade smoothies even though the first four ingredients are water, corn syrup, sugar and vegetable oil. She encouraged me to stick with those commercially prepared supplements. I have only just started this so have not seen a halt to the weight loss yet.
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It's not just weight loss it's also loss of muscle. Bone loss is another consideration. Without weight-bearing exercises, bones become brittle. The body needs exercise - movement, physical activity - in order to function properly like absorbing nutrients. And the colon requires stimulation in order to reabsorb fluids and process waste products from the body for elimination. Without both food and a fitness regimen - even 5 minutes a few times a day especially after meals - elders will continue to lose bone density, lose muscle mass, and lose weight.
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Caring for Two, the ingredients in the Boost type drinks are the primary reason why I don't buy them for my father. Corn syrup, if it's the high fructose version, isn't healthy, and may have been derived from genetically altered corn crops. Sugar instead of stevia or a natural sweetener - another reason not to buy it.

My sister lost weight and appetite during her last chemo sessions. She craved salty foods such as sausage. I did find that thickened liquids such as pear and apricot nectars appealed to her.

CURE magazine has had articles about taste change, lack of appeal of food, and weight loss from chemo. I've found it to be an excellent source for all levels of articles on chemo and its side effects. There's an online website, but caregivers and those with cancer can order a hard copy subscription for free.
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Our registered dietitian (RD) warned me about those drinks. She uses them only as a short-term solution to get someone through a tough time (like chemo). RDs are trained to help us make the proper combinations of fruits, vegetables, fats, and protein powders that promote absorption and deliver nutrients.

That said, our RD also asks about constipation, water intake, sunlight exposure, physical activity, and bowel movements before checking weight.

Those drinks are loaded with sugar because bitterness is what people with dementia often taste and unless there's enough sugar to cover up the bitter, they reject the food. But sugar is like crack for the brain. It has no nutritional value and increases cravings for more sugar.
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My dad lost nearly half his body weight in just a few years. We thought it was from thyroid, since the doc found a lump on his throat. But the tests came back negative for any thyroid issues. Mom did everything she could to get him to put back on some pounds...added ensure, more small meals through out the day, encouraged his naps but when he died he was a walking skeleton. We could never figure out why he lost that weight.
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The mildest, most effective exercise for Seniors that I have found is Tai Chi Chih, developed by Justin Stone. It is called "meditation in movement" and is slow, relaxing and is NOT weight bearing. Holding the slow positions builds up strength.Those who are weak or have dizziness can begin sitting in a chair and later may be able to do the positions standing. There are YouTube videos demonstrating this and when caregivers do it along with the patient or in a group it is most effective and not at all difficult.
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What he is losing is muscle mass, and all that ice cream is probably overloading his pancreas increasing bile which will lead to weight loss. Having dementia is going to make his body shrink, so there is nothing you can do about that except to give him as much and what he wants to eat for the time he has remaining. This disease is never easy on us who are watching our loved ones waste away. Keep loving him...
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My dad has lost a lot with-in three years after his falls, but he lost again quickly last year. He used to be 180 lbs prior to 84 years old. Now, he is 130 lbs at 89 years old. Also, he smokes. He eats less that he used too. I'm trying to remind him to drink Boost. It's very hard to be a care giver especially I'm disabled as well.
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My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2007 and really took a turn for the worse last year. He lost 50 pounds last year even though he was eating healthy, nutritious meals. All the doctors have said it is to be expected with Alzheimer's. My gut is telling me that something else is going on, but they have not been able to find anything. Most of the medical professionals have told me the weight loss is just the body shutting down and that there is really nothing they can do about it. Unfortunately, with all of the stress he lost 50 and I gained 20! Good luck to you and your family.
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ADCaregivers: One HUGE reason for an elder's weight loss is another loss. That loss is the loss of their olfactory sense. That's a BIG DEAL. No longer can they smell bad odors; they also can't smell good food. Thus, they aren't hungry. My late mother was hypothyroid, but she was thin! She should have been obese!
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My wife, who has severe short-term memory problems (her big sister has full-blown Alzheimer's, as did their mother and grandmother). She can still drive and cook, which is a blessing. But she too has lost an alarming amount of weight, starting about 8 years ago. Much of the weight loss she accomplished by not eating lunch. But on our last visit to our doctor, it turned out that she had lost close to 80 lbs. over the course of 8 years, or 10 lbs. a year. Our doctor told me to give her an Ensure or a Boost every day at lunchtime. I believe it has slowed down her deterioration, to the point where she's doing much better than her sister did. The latter stopped using a computer at least 6 years ago. Her 2 children, now in their 50s, do their best to help their parents (their father also has mental problems, though probably not Alz).
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I did not mean to imply lifting weights a la Arnold Schwarzenegger! Weight bearing exercises include walking and tai chi. Standing or sitting upright while holding proper posture can be considered a weight bearing exercise.
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I read that certain BP medicines can cause loss of taste, and my mother is currently taking 3. She has lost 40 pounds in only seven months, and does have mild dementia. Her doctor does not give any real answers to this. I wrote to some of the drink supplement companies and asked them why they were putting corn syrup in their shakes. I think I will be trying the whey powder or creatine powder instead.
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Living South, have you received any response as to why corn syrup is being added? I'm guessing that they'll avoid the whole high fructose corn syrup and GMO issues entirely and provide some blah answer.
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LS, amiodarone can also cause loss of taste and smell. Our neurologist alerted us as to its side effects.
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Yes, it's very difficult to get enough calories into my father. He resists eating. Try high calorie protein powders. Weight loss is very common with memory loss.
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I'm not sure why doctors always recommend Boost and Ensure. Don't they read labels?
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CaregivingNYC, I doubt if they do read the labels, or if they do, they're probably not as cognizant or concerned as some consumers about all the "ingredients". Remember, these are often the people who think "medication" as a first response.

Or maybe the manufacturers of Boost and/or Ensure have a generous patronage program.

One of the local hospitals addressed the practice of pharmaceuticals and their reps patronizing, gifting and encouraging doctors to prescribe their meds. I don't recall the specific actions, but I do recall that some bans were put in place to control if nto prevent this eggregious practice.
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