Re: Alzheimer's and eating

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Posted by CCF Neuro MD on June 24, 1997 at 21:45:10:

In Reply to: Alzheimer's and eating posted by C. Koniniec on June 16, 1997 at 10:05:56:

Is there a biological reason why an Alzheimer's patient will eat large quantities on one day and the next not want to eat at all? Is it necessary to insist on eating every meal or would it be permissible to just eat when they feel the need? If they are willing to eat only one item e.g. cookies, is there any real reason why that can't be allowed? Patient is 90 years old and is not nutritionally deprived except for occasional refusals to eat the specified three meals a day.

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Hallo, Ms/Mr.Koniniee,
In general, patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have the clinical features of memory impairment, language disturbances, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Depending the age of onset, the symptoms may vary, some have significant lanuage disturbances, and some have more distinct neuropsychiatric symptoms.
The neuropsychaitric symptoms of ADfall into four groups: mood disturbances, delusions and hallucinations, personality change, and disorders of behavior. Behavioral disturbance is found in 30-85% of patients, depending on the different studies one looks at. In addition to all the other behavioral changes, binge eating (consuming large amount of food at one time) has been well recognized. Although it is difficult to make a general statement about what the best way may be as far as getting enough and balanced nutrition on a daily basis, it seems wise to have a meal plan as regular as possible. Furthermore, eating a variety of food is almost always better than consuming only one kind.
Please be advised that any change in patient's clinical presentation including behavioral symptoms deserves further evaluation. If you like to see one of our neurologists at Cleveland Clinic, feel free to call our appointment desk at (216) 444-5559.

This information is provided for general medical education purpose only. Please contact your primary physician for diagnosis and treatment of your specific medical condition.

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