Sometimes, it can be difficult to ensure that people with Alzheimer’s Disease are getting proper nutrition. They may get agitated during mealtime, their food choices may change as the disease progresses, they may forget that they ate or they may not be able to express what they want to eat. At our Day Center, we closely observe food intake for our memory-impaired participants. If we notice that participants are not eating well or there is a change in eating patterns, we immediately notify their caregivers and VNS CHOICE MLTC Nurse Consultant. Over the years, we have helped our participants improve their nutritional intake and below is one story that exemplifies our success.

A 78 year old female with Alzheimer’s Disease and hypertension enrolled at our Center. She lived with her son and she brought a candy bar with her for lunch everyday. Staff noticed that she was lethargic and unable to participate in many activities. Her son told Center staff that she didn’t eat much during the day and the candy bar was her usual lunch. Center staff informed her Nurse Consultant in the VNS CHOICE MLTC Program (http://2010.vnschoice.org/), and the Nurse Consultant referred her to a nutritionist. Over the next few months at the Day Center, staff began to feed her milk and bread, and she slowly started eating other foods. Eventually, she ate a full lunch while at the Center and she became more active. At the same time, the nutritionist worked with her son at home. Attending the Day Center and working with VNS CHOICE MLTC staff has helped to improve her nutritional intake, energy level as well as her ability to participate in activities. It’s never too late to improve nutrition!