A woman eating food from a bowl.
Then, Symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, a major problem that most people are aware of is that they experience memory problems that interfere with their daily lives. While this is certainly a characteristic symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, it is not the only symptom to be aware of.
One of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease has more to do with diet than forgetfulness. Here, a neurologist explains what Alzheimer’s disease is and how it affects your diet.
Eating habits are early signs of Alzheimer’s disease
according to Dr. Elana Klar, MD; According to neurologists at New Jersey Brain and Spine, one of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease that many people don’t notice is: Changes in dietary preferences. “Vegetarians may start eating steak simply because they forgot they had a certain eating habit, or they may start incorporating more salt and spices because their taste buds have deteriorated.” She gives some examples of what this looks like.
Dr. Klar says this symptom can appear at any point in the Alzheimer’s experience. For some, it may be one of the earliest signs, while for others, it may only appear later, if at all.
Related: 15 tips to lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
There are several reasons why people with Alzheimer’s disease experience changes in dietary preferences. Dr. Klar says it could be due to a decrease or increase in Tate experience. According to scientific research Many people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease find it difficult to detect umami, one of the five basic tastes associated with delicious food. Other research results Many people with dementia commonly have a diminished sense of smell and taste, which may lead them to prefer particularly strong-flavored foods.
Dr. Klar says another reason people with Alzheimer’s disease experience changes in eating habits is because they forget certain dietary restrictions and lifelong habits they traditionally had. For example, people with lactose intolerance may forget how eating dairy products affects them. Or maybe you just forget that you don’t like the taste of certain foods.
Related: Music therapy’s biggest unexpected benefit for people with dementia, according to geriatricians
Other effects of Alzheimer’s disease on diet and what to do about them
There are other ways Alzheimer’s disease can affect mealtimes. Dr. Klar says people with Alzheimer’s disease may have problems with coordination, which can make cutting food difficult. Or maybe you forget how to use your utensils. Some Alzheimer’s patients forget to eat, she says.
These symptoms can have a serious impact on health, so it’s important for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones to recognize the need for help, Dr. Klar said. “It’s important to help, but [someone with Alzheimer’s] You will continue to maintain your independence and independence for as long as possible, but if basic activities of daily living begin to become difficult, you will have to put some of them aside. “Patients should not be shy about asking their family and friends, and may consider officially employed home health aides,” she says.
If you are a loved one of someone with Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Klar recommends creating a system that optimizes your loved one’s quality of life, including ensuring mealtimes remain enjoyable for them. Masu. “Share caregiving responsibilities or look for resources that can help you with that,” she says.
You may find it helpful to join a Facebook group or message board (Through Alzheimer’s Association and others.) to share tips and give and receive emotional support with others who have loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. In-person support groups can also be helpful. Find a support group near you. On the Alzheimer’s Association website.
Food is not only necessary to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs, but it’s also part of what makes life enjoyable. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease and are experiencing changes in dietary preferences, it’s important to continue looking for foods that are healthy and that they like to eat. After all, cooking for someone and eating together is one of the easiest ways to show your love.
next, Learn about the relationship between hearing loss and Alzheimer’s disease.