Hi-- Have you ever heard of patients in later stages of Alzheimer's GAINING weight? This family friend has been on morphine for months, sleeps a lot, mainly curled up on her side, minimally responsive and yet her sister (who has Vascular Dementia, by the way) reports that the staff says she's gaining weight lately. Just curious.
--Kathy

Dear Kathy,

Many times weight gain in persons with a dementia tends to be due to either medication, level of activity, and or amount of eating. A certain medication they are taking may increase their appetite. It may be best to speak about this further with the prescribing physician. Also, if they are no longer as active as they once were as a result of their cognitive changes, their inactivity has increased their likelihood to gain weight. Many times people with dementia, that have problems with their memory, also tend to have difficultly remembering when to eat, or it they have already eaten. This can cause under eating as well as overeating. If this is the case often caregivers find it best to monitor their loved ones eating habits. In some cases of people in the mid to later stages of dementia, impulsivity is a symptom. Impulsivity may result in the tendency to over eat and the inability to control these actions. If the weight gain becomes a problem it may be best to consult a physician as well as work closely with the staff regarding her eating rituals.

I hope you find this information to be helpful in understanding your friend’s situation. Thank you for participating on our Online Community.

Sincerely,

Jaimie E.

Alzheimer Association
Care Consultant