Dementia and Not Eating: Very concerned

Excellent resources!! Either of the Lee Silverman programs (LSVT) - Big and Loud are both excellent. The therapists have to be certified in it to teach it so the standards are pretty high.

Peace
Larry H

Hello @tamarab and @larryh123

I've noticed the same flux in appetite with Parkinson's. As I have some other health issues, I'm never sure what symptom goes with what disorder. It's been a while since my taste buds have been on top of flavors. I used to use yellow mustard but now use only brown, spicy mustard. I used to avoid garlic and now hummus is a favorite of mine.

My weight is lower now than it ever was and some days appetite seems to be a problem as well. This is a good discussion. I hope that others chime in with their reflections.

Hello:
I am in a similar situation. Over the last few years I have lost my sense of tasted smell. This can be challenging because mostly what I get is sweet, sour, bitter, spicy - with very little taste. All I really have is my memory of what the food tastes like so I try to concentrate on that.
My wife will ask me how it tastes - my standard answer these days is "nothing objectionable".
I like your ideas about adding more spices.
Sometimes the thought of food turns me off. Having to deal with no test and weird textures of food can be a bit overwhelming - if that makes sense.

When I was in the Navy, we would go to chow and there was always a group of bottles on the table. We called that bottled flavor!!!

I hve wondered if others having problems eating or appetite - if they have issues with taste and smell.
It can definitely affect your appetite and lend to being picky about which foods are good - today (same stuff might be a turnoff tomorrow). Some of us have a harder time communicating this. If your loved one isn't eating much - maybe this is a contributing factor?

Peace
Larry H

This is how I feel as well "As I have some other health issues, I'm never sure what symptom goes with what disorder."
Along with the LBD there is Parkinsonism. Also Mytonic Muscular Dystrophy II - and a few gastro issues.
We were in the habit of throwing everything into the Parkinsons bucket until we had others to throw the stuff into.

Peace
Larry H

Hi @tamarab,

I'm so glad that Colleen, @colleenyoung, mentioned me in this post. I have Parkinson's but also a paralyzed vocal cord considered idiopathic (meaning that doctors don't know the cause). I've had surgery on the vocal cord to help it close better and I have speech therapy on a yearly basis to tune up my speech and swallowing efforts.

Speech therapists are among my favorite in the medical field because they can really make a difference in all things involving the speech and swallowing process. While you are waiting for your husband's appointment with the speech therapist here are some exercises from Youtube that he might try out to help him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB3tSaiEbNY

Yes, ive also lost some appetite, and with loss of memory, forget to eat! Since i live by myself, ive set my watch alarms to ring me at meal times to remind me to eat!
I have 1 high-protein, EASY homemade, milk shake EVERY DAY with CANNED Coconut Milk (cheapest @ Walmart) that DOESNT taste like coconut because i add Vanilla flavoring or Carnation Instant Breakfast for EVEN MORE protein!
Did you know that Coconut Oil & Milk is VERY GOOD for your BRAIN? Read more or watch Dr.Dale Bredesen's book on YouTube for FREE.
My neuro-cognitive test (3-hr. LONG test) scores have improved past 2 yrs. since i started using Coconut Milk & cooking with Coconut Oil.
RECIPE: 1/3 c. Canned Coconut Milk
1/3 c. DRIED milk
1 c. Milk (any % fat)
1 Tbls. Vanilla
Mix all ingredients in tall glass or blend. You can add 1/2 package of Carnation Instant Breakfast (any flavor), but will need to add extra milk per that package.

I am a juicer. Try and have some ready everyday. The coconut sounds interesting. I might be able to fit in with the juices.

Peace
Larry H

Speech Therapy has helped me with talking & swallowing problems!

Medicare pays for YEARLY physical therapy, Speech therapy, & occupational therapy!!! PLEASE USE IT to keep your abilities & skills as good as possible!!!

@tamarab I am glad Sue and I could be of help and that Burt is doing better today. Hard boiled eggs are fabulous so that is great. In keeping with the theme of a rotating food calendar, perhaps this would also be of interest when you are struggling to think of new/other options. There is even a PDF handout you can download.

- Easy to Chew and Swallow Diet:
http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/docs/per/easy-to-chew-and-swallow-diet/handout_view_patient/@@getDocument
Please stick around and share Burt's food journey with us and so other members can find support from you! Will you share if you try anything new on the attached food list as well?

The food zigzag brought us to happier territory. He is indulging in smoked sablefish aka "real food" and potato salad and bananas. The potato salad was banished tonight in favor of baked potatoes again and lemon tarts are back on his menu. Also he tried a little angel hair pasta so... much better and less worrisome for me for now.