Weight Loss In The Elderly With Dementia

It is apparent to me that weight loss is infact part of the progression with dementia.

Weight loss in the elderly with dementia. 19 alzheimer s dementia is a progressive degenerative disorder that leads to an eventual loss of independence and it is one of the leading causes of death in the elderly. Watching someone with advanced dementia lose weight despite being fed enough food can be frightening. Weight loss may occur despite the person with advanced dementia being given all the food they want.

Assessment for depression and dementia is also vital because both have been shown to contribute to unintentional weight loss in older adults 1 the two question patient health questionnaire. It is quite normal to feel this way. 20 the natural history of dementia spans.

Accurate evaluation is essential however because this problem is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Unintentional weight loss in the elderly patient can be difficult to evaluate. There are many factors in dementia which can result in unintentional weight loss including reduced appetite difficulty swallowing forgetting and or refusing to eat difficulty using utensils behavioural issues and poor food safety practices.

A journal of the alzheimer s association unplanned weight loss is strongly correlated with dementia severity. People in the later stages of dementia may experience loss of appetite among other symptoms. Weight loss may be part of the process of dying from dementia.

Weight loss can affect the immune system and make it harder for the person to. Many people with dementia lose weight in the later stages. People will experience severe weight loss.

According to a study of more than 16 000 adults published in alzheimer s dementia. Preventing weight loss in people with dementia. This includes difficulties in eating and appetite changes which often result in unintended weight loss.