Eating Difficulties
The 12 sources listed below are each rated on how they can help caregivers better understand and deal with eating difficulties in people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
Sources are ranked from highest to lowest.
Sources are ranked from highest to lowest.
ALZSmart Score™ - Excellent85%
Coping With Behavior Change in Dementia: A Family Caregiver's Guide
Beth Spencer and Laurie White
Pages 44-49
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Begins with 15 causes for overeating or undereating. 11 strategies for overeating. 12 strategies for undereating. Has 9 additional physical, medical, and emotional causes for eating challenges and 11 strategies for reponding to those eating challenges. Looks at 9 possible environmental causes and 6 strategies to deal with environmental issues. 8 other considerations for eating challenges.
ALZSmart Score™ - Excellent85%
Alzheimer's Society
Geo Location: All (UK)
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
This is part 1 of a 7 part series: 1) Eating and drinking, 2) Poor appetite and dementia, 3) How motor and sensory difficulties can affect eating, 4) Eating and common behaviour challenges, 5) Eating environment, 6) Meal preparation and living alone, and 7) UK resources.
ALZSmart Score™ - Excellent85%
Learning to Speak Alzheimer's
Joanne Koenig Coste
Pages 94-101 & 206-211
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Uses examples to frame eating issues. Looks at causes. Points out many do's and don'ts. Discusses possible enviromental causes. Has an 'appendix' beginning on page 206 with good food for people with Alzheimer's including staples to have on hand, finger foods, and blender beverages.
ALZSmart Score™ - Excellent80%
WebMD
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Offers 27 bullet points on when to get medical help. Has 5 reasons for possible chewing and swallowing problems. 17 tips to help make them comfortable and feel safe when they eat.
ALZSmart Score™ - Very Good75%
WebMD
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Discusses 4 signs when you need to take your loved one to an emergency room or doctor right away; also has 6 signs when you should call your doctor. Looks at 6 possible causes. 9 paragraphs on what a caregiver can do to help.
ALZSmart Score™ - Very Good75%
Dementia Australia
Geo Location: All (AU)
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Has 12 bullet points on what to try for loss of appetite. 5 tips for overeating or insatiable appetite. 8 bullet points on problems at the table. Also has 5 other considerations.
ALZSmart Score™ - Very Good75%
Cleveland Clinic
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Has 25 bullet points to improve and encourage better eating and drinking habits in persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Offers 11 other general tips for creating an inviting eating environment. Also has 5 basic food-specific tips.
ALZSmart Score™ - Very Good75%
National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders
Rinki Varindani Desai
Geo Location: All (US)
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Begins with a general discussion of dementia and dysphagia. Looks at signs and symptoms of dysphagia. Lists 7 common causes of dysphagia in dementia. Has 6 tips for caregivers to help with swallowing difficulties.
ALZSmart Score™ - Very Good70%
Aging Care
Carol Bradley Bursack
Geo Location: All (US)
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Explains the signs and symptoms of dysphagia. Discusses the connection between dementia and dysphagia. Has 9 bullet points on how to cope with difficulty swallowing.
ALZSmart Score™ - Good65%
Lewy Body Dementia Association
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
Begins with a discussion of the general challenges of eating and dementia. Lists 8 possible causes for eating-related challenges. Has 14 tips for making mealtimes easier and more enjoyable.
ALZSmart Score™ - Average55%
UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Program
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
[Video 3:22] Interview style video with a caregiver speaking about his father's decreased appetite. Several key questions are asked including suggestions and advice.
ALZSmart Score™ - Average45%
HelpGuide
Melinda Smith M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Monika White, Ph.D.
Geo Location: All
ALZSmart Review™ - Summary of Contents
This multiple topic article has a section on 'Eating Problems' near of the page. There are 5 tips on ensuring someone with Alzheimer’s eats and drinks enough.
