May 30, 2008

Health Tip: Diet for People With Alzheimer's

(HealthDay News) -- Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease often includes helping with all daily activities, including eating.

Here are suggestions to help make mealtime easier, courtesy of the Alzheimer's Association:

• Set aside at least an hour for each meal. Don't rush the person through it.
• Make sure the person is seated comfortably, but upright. Keep the person sitting upright for at least 30 minutes after eating.
• Prepare soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Eating may become very difficult, so food may need to be mashed or pureed.
• To reduce the risk of choking, thicken drinks with gelatin or cornstarch.
• Understand that a person may be more prone to choking as Alzheimer's progresses. Get training on using the Heimlich maneuver.
• Since significant weight loss could be a sign of malnutrition, contact a doctor to have weight loss evaluated.

-- Diana Kohnle

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