ACC Nutrition and Hydration for Alzheimer's Patients 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why are individuals with Alzheimer's disease at increased risk for dehydration?
- They produce less saliva
- They often forget to drink and lose the sensation of thirst (Correct answer)
- Their kidneys filter water too quickly
- They perspire more than average
Correct answer: They often forget to drink and lose the sensation of thirst
Alzheimer's disease impairs the thirst mechanism and memory, causing patients to forget to drink fluids regularly.
Question 2: Which of the following is a sign of dehydration in an Alzheimer's patient?
- Increased appetite
- Dark-colored urine (Correct answer)
- Frequent urination
- Flushed, moist skin
Correct answer: Dark-colored urine
Dark-colored urine is a reliable early indicator of dehydration across all age groups, including Alzheimer's patients.
Question 3: What mealtime strategy best supports safe eating for a patient with moderate Alzheimer's disease?
- Serve all courses at once to save time
- Minimize distractions and use simple, one-item plates (Correct answer)
- Allow the patient to eat alone to promote independence
- Offer large portions to ensure adequate calorie intake
Correct answer: Minimize distractions and use simple, one-item plates
Reducing distractions and simplifying the plate helps patients with Alzheimer's focus on eating and reduces confusion.
Question 4: A caregiver notices a late-stage Alzheimer's patient is pocketing food in their cheeks. What is the primary concern?
- Taste preference
- Aspiration and choking risk (Correct answer)
- Medication interference
- Weight gain
Correct answer: Aspiration and choking risk
Pocketing food indicates swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) that significantly increase the risk of aspiration and choking.
Question 5: Which food texture modification is commonly recommended when an Alzheimer's patient develops swallowing difficulties?
- Hard, crunchy foods to stimulate jaw muscles
- Pureed or minced and moist foods (Correct answer)
- Raw vegetables for nutritional density
- Dry crackers to absorb excess saliva
Correct answer: Pureed or minced and moist foods
Pureed or minced and moist textures reduce choking risk for patients with dysphagia associated with advanced Alzheimer's.
Question 6: What is an effective way to encourage an Alzheimer's patient who refuses to eat?
- Force small amounts of food
- Offer finger foods and favorite foods in a calm setting (Correct answer)
- Skip meals and try again the next day
- Increase medications to stimulate appetite
Correct answer: Offer finger foods and favorite foods in a calm setting
Offering familiar, preferred finger foods in a low-stress environment can motivate reluctant eaters with Alzheimer's.
ACC Nutrition and Hydration for Alzheimer's Patients 1
Why are individuals with Alzheimer's disease at increased risk for dehydration?