Food for Thought

What if you forgot how to use a fork, knife or spoon? What if you didn’t recognize food? What if you couldn’t remember the last time you ate or what the sensation of feeling hungry meant?  Would you be mad, get upset or just stop eating?

“We frequently receive calls from family members who are concerned about their loved one (with dementia) and their ability to eat like they once could,” said Linda Desmet, Family Services Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association St. Louis Chapter. “People often think that Alzheimer’s disease only effects memory, but it causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior.  These problems are severe enough to interfere with daily life, including meal time.”

Today, more than 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s, and someone develops the disease every 68 seconds. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the only cause of death among the top ten with no way to prevent it, cure it or slow its progression.

Desmet explains that many people who call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline are worried their loved one is not hungry at meal times and could be losing weight.  Volunteers who serve on the 24/7 Helpline explain to callers that there could be a number of reasons why a loved one may not be interested in eating; they may no longer recognize the food that is placed in front of them, they may not know how to use utensils anymore, dementia can change taste buds making foods taste different or not as good. Depending on what stage of Alzheimer’s a person is experiencing, they may be embarrassed to admit they are not sure how to use utensils or they may not be able to find the words to explain how they are feeling.

Meal time can not only difficult for the person with the disease, but also the caregiver.  Due to the disease effecting behavior, sometimes dinning becomes a daily battle. 

“In most cases, it is possible to help your loved one (with dementia) dine with dignity and create an enjoyable experience for everyone,” said Maggie Murphy-White, Education Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association St. Louis Chapter.  “If your loved one becomes easily agitated trying to figure out how to use utensils, then just serve finger foods.  This will help reduce agitation.”

“You may also need to remind your loved one how to eat.  Eat with them and show them how to drink or what to do with their food.  That way they can try to mimic what you are doing.”

Also, as the disease progresses, a loved one may need additional assistance with basic things, like swallowing.  Murphy-White suggests rubbing their throat to trigger the swallowing reflex. 

Families can learn about additional meal time tips and tricks from Jeff Goldone, the Administrator of Dining Services at Lutheran Senior Services, at the Alzheimer’s Association annual Care & Conquer Conference on Thursday, November 15, 2012, at the DoubleTree Hotel and Conference Center in Chesterfield, Mo. This full-day event will provide support, education and the latest information and resources for people with dementia and people providing care to loved ones in all stages of the disease.

 The conference features interactive breakout sessions, world-renowned specialists, a question-and-answer session with dementia experts, dinner, and many opportunities to connect with others battling the Alzheimer’s epidemic. Participants will be entertained with an interactive, multi-sensory performance by Metro Theater Company that weaves together a tapestry of music, movement, visual art and poetry. The evening keynote presentation will feature Marc Agronin, M.D., a graduate of Harvard University and Yale Medical School, is a board-certified geriatric psychiatrist and the Director of Mental Health and Clinical Research at the Miami Jewish Health Systems, home to Florida’s largest nursing home.

 As people with dementia and caregivers age, their perspective on growing older is too often focused on the downside of the aging process. However, this is only one side of the coin. Dr. Agronin, author of, How We Age: A Doctor’s Journey into the Heart of Growing Old, will provide a spellbinding look at what aging means today—how our bodies and brains age, the very way we look at aging, and what current research tells us about growing old with dementia. These strengths include a broader perspective on experience and decision-making, the potential for greater emotional maturity and enhanced creativity, and the ability to reflect on life and make positive changes that were inaccessible when younger. Put together, these new forces open a doorway of growth and possibility as we age.

“Many memories are made around a dinner table, and that shouldn’t have to stop once your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Murphy-White. “You should be able to continue to spend time with each other, family and friends at such an important place in your home.” By spending time together at meal times, your loved one can still experience the atmosphere in which you made these great memories. By changing eating habits, behaviors or only eating finger foods, you can still continue the memories in a new way.

If you are interested in attending the Care & Conquer Conference, have questions regarding dementia, or need support, visit www.alz.org/stl or call 800.272.3900.

Alzheimer’s Association Care & Conquer Conference Information:

Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012
1-8:15 p.m.
DoubleTree Hotel & Conference Center
16625 Swingley Ridge Road Chesterfield, MO 63017