It’s often a problem to get Alzheimer’s patients to eat properly or wholesomely.  However, I did discover that some of Mother’s previous likes and dislikes were evident  even when she could no longer make herself understood verbally.

“She won’t eat her supper,” an aide remarked, who was trying to feed Mother.  (She no longer could feed herself.)

“What are you feeding her?” I asked.

“Tuna casserole,” was the answer.

“Mother never liked canned tuna,” I remarked. 

Then I listed, for the aide, foods that Mother liked.  A couple were on Mother’s tray and she ate these readily.  Apparently her taste buds and brain could still discern some of her food likes.

When I placed Mother in the nursing home, they asked for a list of her food likes and dislikes.  However, it may not always have been possible to include an individualized tray for her at each meal.

Even when you’re caring for your family member in your or their home, try to remember foods they’ve always liked.  Also, some of these foods may be ones they’ve mentioned from childhood. 

Also, try to remember if they have allergies to any foods.  This is good for you to know and for an assisted or nursing home to know.

What have you found about foods and Alzheimer’s patients?  Your suggestions and experiences could be very helpful for others.