My Parent with Dementia won’t eat - Positive Aging Series on the Learning Videos Channel

It’s common for people with Alzheimer’s disease to stop eating or drinking in the later stages. At any time, about 10% to 15% of people who have it don’t eat or drink enough and lose weight. This becomes more of a problem as the disease gets worse.

Most of the time, you can handle these issues at home, but call 911 or take your loved one to an emergency room or doctor right away if they show signs of:

1. Delirium. They’re more easily distracted and forgetful than usual, have less energy, see things that aren’t there, have sudden changes in personality and behavior, are strangely emotional, or ramble when they talk.

2. Serious dehydration. Their body doesn’t get enough fluid to meet its needs. You’ll notice at least five of these signs: peeing very rarely, dark yellow pee, a dry tongue, sunken eyes, confusion, weakness, a fast heart rate, or trouble talking.

3. High fever. In elderly people, a body temperature of 101 F or higher is high.

4. Belly pain, especially if they are vomiting.