My cousin, 62 years old, who is in Memory Care Unit, (wheelchair bound,but can feed herself.) has lost 10 pounds in the last 2 months. She has Vascular mixed with AD. Symptoms hit her fast and she has gone downhill in the last year. Complete incontinence, no real memory, (still knows me and my parents) but still verbal and can push herself with her feet in wheelchair.
Her blood sugars are excellent, so that's not it. She sees a doctor regularly and he is not alarmed. She gets regular blood tests and checkups. We have discussed palliative care for her. I can see physically that her health has declined.
I have watched her eat her meals and snacks and she always demonstrates a hearty appetite. Eating is not an issue. She chews and swallows fine. I have discussed this with the Memory Care staff. She is eating the same meals and snacks she had since her admission there 9 months ago. During that time she maintained her weight.
Is the weight loss a normal progression? I have read that at some point, the ill or dementia patient, even when consuming enough calories, will drop weight. I don't want to try to force extra food on her if it is not helpful.
E
Try to take care of yourself,
Carol