Do Alzheimer’s Patients & Caregivers Experience Eating Disorders?
October 10, 2007 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Do Alzheimer’s Patients Experience Eating Disorders?
Alzheimer’s patients eventually stop eating and lose weight, generally not of their own determination, but because they lose the ability to feed themselves, swallow, or understand what food is. However, I discovered that my mom and aunt developed a more than a normal liking for sweets and would have eaten a great many of these if not controlled.
Caregivers May Suffer From Eating Disorders, too.
However, caregivers may be too busy and stressed to eat…or find themselves eating the wrong foods when caring for a family member. They also may not take the time to prepare a nutritious meal. Caregivers may suffer from eating disorders in addition to living under the stress of caregiving and the above mentioned situations.
New Eating Disorder Blog
If you desire to learn more about eating disorders or find someone who understands your situation, visit the new b5media blog, Breaking the Mirror by Julia Anna. She is a recovering anorexic and shares her story, as well as provides resources.
Personal Experience with Anorexia
I’ve lived with anorexia since I was 20 years old. (I’m a grandmother now!) That was before the doctors labeled it and really knew much about the condition. I’ve learned to control it, but must constantly be on guard that anorexia doesn’t control me again. I’ve been finding Julie Anna’s blog very informative and am learning to understand myself better.
What about you?
My father has dimentia, is 91 and has lost his appetite. He argues with me and says he’s not hungry. He feels full when I know he hasn’t eaten well in the last two weeks. He seems determined not to eat.
Michael, thanks for visiting Alzheimer’s Notes and sharing your experience with your father. It seems Alzheimer’s patients may lose the ability to determine whether they’re hungry. Also, their sense of taste changes and they don’t like foods they once did or vice versa. Sometimes the stubbornness in refusing to eat is one thing they can control in a life where they are losing control. Perhaps you can check with your father’s doctor and see what suggestions he/she has.
Hi Mary Emma: I don’t know if I would characterize the eating difficulties of the person with dementia as a true eating disorder. I think it is one of the many symptoms or outcomes of the gradual decline of the body systems.
I enjoy reading your blog: keep up the good work! Sue
Thanks, Sue, for stopping by Alzheimer’s Notes and sharing your thoughts. Yes, you’re right, the person with dementia probably doesn’t eat due to the disease, not because of some decision not to eat…unless they’re being stubborn or don’t like the taste/texture of the food (as happened with my mom). The caregiver, on the other hand, may have a challenge with an eating disorder…and some of this could be due to the stress of caregiving.