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Nutrition is a cornerstone of Alzheimer’s care. Patients often struggle with appetite changes, difficulty eating, or forgetting to eat. Caregivers can support healthy eating habits by preparing nutrient-rich, easy-to-eat meals. Focus on incorporating foods from the Mediterranean or MIND diets, such as leafy greens, berries, whole grains, and fish, which may support brain health.

Ensure meals are visually appealing and served in a calm, distraction-free setting. Offer smaller, frequent meals if large portions are overwhelming. For patients with swallowing difficulties, modify textures by using pureed or soft foods. Hydration is equally important, so encourage regular water intake and offer hydrating snacks like fruits and soups.

For additional resources and guidance:

• Alzheimer’s Association Meal Planning Tips: Explore their advice on creating healthy meals tailored to Alzheimer’s patients. Visit alz.org/care/alzheimers-food-eating.
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Offers detailed guidelines on addressing nutrition and hydration challenges in dementia care. Visit eatright.org.
• National Institute on Aging’s Nutrition Tips: Provides simple strategies for maintaining a balanced diet for older adults. Access the guide at nia.nih.gov/health/nutrition.
• Dysphagia Diet Resources: For patients with swallowing difficulties, consult the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (iddsi.org) for texture-modified diet recommendations.
• “Cooking for Alzheimer’s” Videos: Access practical meal preparation tutorials on platforms like YouTube—search for channels like “Senior Diet Tips” or “Alzheimer’s Food and Nutrition.”
• Local Registered Dietitians: Consider consulting a dietitian specializing in geriatric nutrition. Use the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ “Find an Expert” tool to locate one near you (eatright.org/find-an-expert).

Professional dietary advice can be invaluable in ensuring that patients receive the nutrition they need to maintain their health and quality of life.