Dementia can cause various side effects but did you know that weight loss is one of them? This brings up a number of other questions. Do patients with dementia lose weight? Is weight loss a symptom of dementia? What are some ways to treat losing weight with dementia? In this post, we will review what you need to know about dementia and weight loss.
Does Dementia Cause Weight Loss?
Can dementia cause weight loss? Dementia does not necessarily cause weight loss directly, but weight loss can become more common as the disease progresses. Since the brain regulates bodily functions — such as hunger — it makes sense why one’s weight would be affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.
What is the Relationship Between Weight Loss and Dementia?
Why do Alzheimer's patients lose weight? The relationship between Alzheimer's and weight loss can be attributed to the disease’s side effects. The following dementia symptoms can potentially lead to weight loss:
Cancer
Chronic infections
Constipation
Dental issues
Depression
Diabetes
Difficulty chewing and swallowing
Dry mouth
End-organ diseases
Frequently pacing, wandering, and other motion activities can result in more calories being burned
Forgetting how to use utensils
Gastrointestinal disorders
Inability to communicate health problems that make it difficult to eat
Inability to recognize foods
Lack of healthy teeth or poor-fitting dentures
Not drinking or eating
Pain
Additionally, the medication one may take effects the relationship between weight loss and Alzheimer's. These medications include:
Bone and joint pain drugs. These are often used to treat osteoporosis, arthritis, lupus, and gout.
Cardiac drugs. These include drugs to treat chest pain, cholesterol issues, and high blood pressure.
Endocrine drugs. These include drugs that treat diabetes and thyroid disease.
Neurologic and psychotics. These include medications that treat depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Other medications. These can include over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, cold medicine, and allergy relief tablets as well as alcohol and nicotine.
In the next section, we will review ways to treat dementia weight loss, including eating methods, medications, and doctors to see.
Download Our Early Signs of Dementia Guide
Treating Dementia Weight Loss
Below are some steps one can take to help treat their loved one’s Alzheimer's weight loss:
Choose a plate that is a different color than the food so they can see it more easily
Discontinue medication associated with weight loss
Ask the doctor about appetite stimulants or growth hormone secretagogues
Provide finger foods that can be used without utensils
Show them how to use utensils and eat with them to help model healthy eating
Provide smaller meals and snacks, so it is less overwhelming to eat
Encourage adequate (and tasty) hydration
Visit the dentist to evaluate their oral health
Visit the eye doctor to determine if they are unable to see their food properly
Visit an occupational therapist to determine if there are assistive devices to help them eat
Evaluate their pain and mental health symptoms to determine if it’s affecting their appetite
Speak to your doctor about whether using a feeding tube is a viable and safe option
