· When feeding Alzheimer’s patients, make sure they see the food before you put it in their mouths.  If you “surprise” them with a mouthful of food, they might choke. · Remember that it may take a good 30 minutes to feed an Alzheimer’s patient.  Be patient. · If Alzheimer’s patients clamp their mouths shut during eating, try stroking their cheeks or pretend to yawn.  This may get them to open their mouths. · If your patients tend to choke, make sure their foods are not too thin.  Cold liquids cause choking less often than room temperature ones. · Encourage your Alzheimer’s patients to drink plenty of fluids.  If they get dehydrated, it could add to their confusion. · Early-stage Alzheimer’s patients are often depressed.  Keep in mind that one sign of depression is a poor appetite.    · Give praise for little successes.  For example, if your patient is able to use a fork properly during lunch or eats without spilling, tell him what a good job he has done. · Alzheimer’s patients may try to eat small items like buttons, coins, plant leaves or paper clips.   Make sure to keep the environment free from these little “temptations”. · People with Alzheimer’s Disease usually like to eat with their fingers.  (Using silverware can be too confusing.)  Make sure their food is not too hot to be picked up. · Some Alzheimer’s patients hide food.  Often, this is because they are afraid they won’t be able to eat when they are hungry again.  Make sure your patients are getting enough to eat. · People with Alzheimer’s Disease may be more distracted in the evening since they are tired from trying to concentrate all day.  Remember that the dinner meal may be more of a challenge that breakfast. · Some Alzheimer’s patients have trouble seeing their food.  For example, if your patient has mashed potatoes on a white plate, she may not be able to see them.  You may have to assist her or, if possible, put the food on a darker plate. · Sometimes, Alzheimer’s patients get confused about what to eat first so they just don’t eat anything.  If the meal has meat, a vegetable and a fruit, try serving the items one at a time. · Make sure all foods are cut into bite-sized pieces. · Alzheimer’s patients may be messy eaters.  Be careful not to make fun of them.  They can’t help it.  (You might want to use a bib or smock at mealtime.) · It’s best not to argue with Alzheimer’s patients.   If they refuse to eat, try to understand why they are upset or come back in a few minutes and see if they’ll eat then. · Report any changes in appetite to your supervisor immediately. Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Alzheimer’s Patients In the Know Page 7