When an older person is experiencing cognitive decline, continuing to live alone can easily lead to a reduced quality of life. One aspect to consider is the tendency to eat less nutritiously and avoid meal preparation activity. The individual may load the shopping cart with frozen dinners and other processed foods that can easily be heated in the microwave. A person with Alzheimer’s dementia in Lady Lake, FL benefits greatly from the improved dietary options at an award-winning assisted living community.
Improving the Diet
Some frozen dinners and snacks are relatively nutritious and healthy. Most, though, contain too much sodium and not enough essential nutrients. There may be a large list of incomprehensible ingredients, including artificial flavors and colors. A person with Alzheimer’s dementia in Lady Lake FL will feel better and may even experience some cognitive improvements with a nutrient-rich diet that avoids unhealthy components.
Changes in Preferences
Family members may have felt anxious and frustrated about a parent’s refusal to eat more than a limited selection of frozen dinners and their changing food preferences. Changes in preferences are common among Alzheimer’s patients, however. In addition, sometimes the person might not even remember what he or she likes to eat. The choice could be made by looking at colors instead of considering flavors.
Navigating These Issues
The skilled and caring staff members at a memory care community know how to navigate these issues. Relatives and friends can help by providing details of the person’s previous favorite foods and not feeling dismayed if some of those items are no longer appealing.
