ACC Nutrition and Hydration for Alzheimer's Patients 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which vitamin deficiency is particularly common in Alzheimer's patients and can worsen cognitive symptoms?
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin D (Correct answer)
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A
Correct answer: Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is common in older adults with Alzheimer's and has been linked to worsened cognitive decline.
Question 2: Why should caregivers monitor weight regularly in Alzheimer's patients?
- To track medication dosing accuracy
- To detect unintended weight loss, which signals nutritional decline (Correct answer)
- To ensure compliance with exercise programs
- To adjust sleeping schedules
Correct answer: To detect unintended weight loss, which signals nutritional decline
Unintentional weight loss in Alzheimer's patients indicates declining nutrition and is associated with faster disease progression.
Question 3: Which of the following drinks is MOST appropriate for encouraging hydration in an Alzheimer's patient who refuses plain water?
- Caffeinated coffee
- Alcohol-based punch
- Diluted fruit juice or herbal tea (Correct answer)
- Carbonated energy drinks
Correct answer: Diluted fruit juice or herbal tea
Diluted fruit juice and herbal teas provide palatable hydration without the diuretic effects of caffeine or alcohol.
Question 4: An Alzheimer's patient repeatedly tries to eat non-food items. What is this behavior called and what should the caregiver do?
- Apraxia; redirect to a task
- Pica; remove non-food items and consult the care team (Correct answer)
- Sundowning; turn on bright lights
- Agnosia; label all objects
Correct answer: Pica; remove non-food items and consult the care team
Pica (eating non-food items) is seen in some Alzheimer's patients and requires removing hazards and notifying the healthcare team.
Question 5: How many cups of fluid per day is generally recommended for older adults with Alzheimer's to maintain adequate hydration?
- 2–3 cups
- 4–5 cups
- 6–8 cups (Correct answer)
- 10–12 cups
Correct answer: 6–8 cups
Most adults, including those with Alzheimer's, are advised to consume approximately 6–8 cups (48–64 oz) of fluid daily barring medical restrictions.
Question 6: What is the BEST approach when an Alzheimer's patient insists it is not mealtime and refuses to come to the table?
- Force the patient to the table immediately
- Skip the meal to avoid conflict
- Use gentle redirection and offer a familiar cue such as a favorite smell (Correct answer)
- Document the refusal and do nothing further
Correct answer: Use gentle redirection and offer a familiar cue such as a favorite smell
Gentle redirection using sensory cues like the aroma of food can engage patients with Alzheimer's without causing distress.
ACC Nutrition and Hydration for Alzheimer's Patients 2
Which vitamin deficiency is particularly common in Alzheimer's patients and can worsen cognitive symptoms?