There is currently no cure for AD and it is fatal, but steps can be taken to improve the quality of life for the Alzheimer person. Attention must also be paid to the caregiver of the Alzheimer person who may experience extreme stress in caring for the individual. Alzheimer s disease is currently under-diagnosed in the population due to common symptoms being attributed to senility with aging, depression, taking multiple medications, or abusing alcohol frequently. Nutritional deficiencies should be noted that may cause symptoms of dementia or confusion. The nutritional health of the Alzheimer person is of great concern.
Good nutrition is essential for energy, resisting infection, and wound healing.
Along with aging Alzheimer persons may experience an increased loss of taste and smell of foods, inability to recognize thirst, chew and digest foods, and use nutrients from food. The Alzheimer person may lose the function of their brain that tells them they are hungry or fail to remember when they ate last. Boredom may lead to overeating or not eating. Not eating or drinking enough may lead to dehydration, dizziness, and mal-nourishment. Visual and spatial abilities may become compromised and decreased ability to remember how to physically function may lead to inability to prepare food or feed oneself.