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This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about coping strategies for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and the people who care for them. People with Alzheimer’s disease may not eat properly because of confusion, physical problems or because they get distracted from eating. As a result, they may not get the calories or nutrition they need.
Dr. Roger Rosenberg, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center, offers these tips for making sure Alzheimer’s patients get proper nutrition: Offer the patient the food he or she wants to eat. Cut food into small bites that are easy to eat. Provide a variety of food and a balanced diet. The diet should be light, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, including prunes. This helps prevent constipation. If necessary, help the patient eat.
Next: How to prevent bedtime struggles with Alzheimer’s patients.
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November 2006
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