Nutrition and Alzheimer's Disease

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with The Cleveland ClinicWebMD Medical Reference.

GENERAL TIPS
Eat slowly.
Cut your food into small pieces, and chew it thoroughly.
Do not try to eat more than 1/2 teaspoon of your food at a time.

What To Do If You Have A Dry Mouth
As we age, our bodies often signal us less when we are thirsty. In addition, some medications can dry you out, so it's important to keep drinking plenty of fluids.
Drink 8 or more cups of liquid each day, 10 or more cups if you are feverish (unless you are fluid restricted).
Dunk or moisten breads, toast, cookies, or crackers in milk, hot chocolate, or coffee to soften them.
Take a drink after each bite of food to moisten your mouth and to help you swallow.
Add sauces to foods to make them softer and moister. Try gravy, broth, sauce, or melted butter.
Eat sour candy or fruit ice to help increase saliva and moisten your mouth.
Don't use a commercial mouthwash. Commercial mouthwashes often contain alcohol that can dry your mouth. Ask your doctor or dentist about alternative mouthwash products.
Ask your doctor about artificial saliva products. They are available over-the-counter or by prescription.

Maintaining Your Weight
Malnutrition and weight maintenance is often an issue for those with Alzheimer's disease.
· Eat smaller meals more frequently. Eating 5-6 times a day may be easier than eating the same amount of food in three meals.
· Take a daily vitamin/mineral supplement.
Liquid diet supplements may be helpful.

Exercise - For people with Alzheimer's disease, physical activity should be continued for as long as possible. This will help prevent muscle weakness and health complications associated with inactivity. Exercise also promotes a normal day-and-night routine and may help to improve mood.
Repetitive exercises -- such as walking, indoor bicycling, and activities such as folding laundry -- may decrease anxiety in people with Alzheimer's disease because they don't have to make decisions about the activity or remember what to do next. While exercise does not stop Alzheimer's disease from progressing, patients do receive the emotional satisfaction of feeling they have accomplished something.

You should check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Your doctor may make recommendations about:
· The types of exercise best suited to you and those to avoid.
· How hard you should be working out.
· How long you should work.

... to be continued