Alzheimer's Disease and Weight Loss: Discussion and Response

 Obesity and weight loss may not only increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease but also accelerate the progression of the disease. This article will explore the relationship between weight and Alzheimer's disease, analyze the causes of weight loss in the late stages of dementia, and provide strategies for coping with it.

Key Points

• Obesity worsens the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer's disease. But late-stage dementia is often accompanied by weight loss.
• Weight loss may be related to factors such as cachexia and dysphagia. Fatigue and difficulty concentrating are common causes of loss of appetite in people with dementia.

Table of Contents

• Is there a connection between weight and Alzheimer’s disease?
• At what stage of dementia does weight loss occur?
• Why do people with dementia lose so much weight?
• Why don’t people with dementia eat?
• How to get patients to eat more?

Is there a link between weight and Alzheimer's disease?

Being overweight has a significant impact on Alzheimer's disease. But being too thin is not conducive to the control of Alzheimer's disease. Research shows that obesity not only reduces the body's resistance to damage to the brain, but also exacerbates symptoms and disease progression. Obesity may further aggravate cognitive dysfunction and memory loss by affecting the blood supply and metabolic function of the brain.

At what stage of dementia does weight loss occur?

Many people with dementia lose weight in the later stages. This may be due to a loss of appetite, pain, or a condition that causes difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and chewing.

Why do people with dementia lose so much weight?

Weight loss is a common phenomenon in the later stages of dementia. People may eat less because of loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), or difficulty chewing. These problems not only affect nutritional intake but may also lead to further health problems.

Here are some detailed reasons

• Cachexia: Cachexia is a common symptom in many advanced diseases (such as dementia, cancer, heart disease, etc.), in which nutrients are difficult to be absorbed effectively even if the patient eats enough. This can lead to weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness and tiredness.
• Dysphagia: People with dementia often experience dysphagia, which makes eating difficult and can lead to weight loss.
• Decline in mental and cognitive function: Decline in mental and cognitive function may make it difficult for patients to concentrate during eating, further affecting food intake and weight.

Why don’t people with dementia eat?

Fatigue and poor concentration: Fatigue can make people with dementia feel sluggish during meals, which can affect their appetite and how much they eat. Additionally, people with dementia often have difficulty maintaining attention throughout a meal, which may cause them to abandon eating midway.

How to get patients to eat more?

• Dietary adjustment: Appropriately follow the patient's ideas to develop a high-calorie, nutrient-dense diet plan for patients with dementia to ensure adequate nutritional intake.
• Eating support: Provide assistive tools and technologies, such as highly nutritious supplements, to help with dysphagia.
• Psychological support: Through psychological consultation and support, patients' anxiety and depression can be alleviated, thereby improving appetite.
• Medication management: Communicate with your doctor to adjust medications to reduce negative effects on weight.
• Regular monitoring: Regularly check the patient's weight and nutritional status, and adjust the diet and care plan as needed.

reference

Obesity and dementia risk

Poor appetite and dementia

Changes of behaviour in the later stages of dementia