My mother is 59 years old. She was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimers 2½ years ago. She was doing well for a while in an ALF. In January, her health and memory started declining pretty fast. I was told by a home health nurse that I need to move her to a nursing home. I visited the nursing home and wasn't pleased with the "hospital" type of environment. So, I found a memory care facility. The downfall of that is that I can't see her everyday. It is 45 mins. away. I try to go every weekend or every other weekend because I work full time. I'm the only family member here. Lately, I've noticed Mom's depth perception is WAY off and she has lost SO much weight. She started losing weight 9 months ago, but now it's steadily dropping. She is now 97lbs. The facility has someone to sit with her to remind her to eat, and I provide every snack you could imagine. They say she eats. She walks all the time. We've run tests in the past because of some minor digestive problems. The doctors can't find anything wrong so far and I'm scared to have any further tests run on her. I don't want it to affect her memory even more, i.e., anesthesia.

First of all, is weight loss common....secondly, what about her vision. Sometimes she can't see things that are right in front of her. It seems she has a hard time focusing. (Her vision tests have come back normal.) what is happening?

Dear Mary's Daughter,

I am very sorry to hear about your mother’s recent decline. It is very common for persons with Alzheimer’s disease to lose weight. Sometimes there is an underlying medical condition. Many times as the disease progresses persons with Alzheimer’s do not know how to care for themselves, and not only need reminders, but need help initiating the activities. This could include eating, showering, or waking up in the morning. Also, as your mom’s activity level decreases she does not require as many daily calories as she once did. This may mean she eats less, however if she continues to lose weight it is most likely do to a separate medical condition. Your mother may be at the point in the disease where is unable to eat on her own, and requires someone to help her eat. Another normal part of disease is the loss of motor functioning, your mom may not be able to use utensils, and could require assistance with eating or given alternatives like finger foods. Your mom has most likely lost the ability to taste and smell, and may not have a desire to eat. The loss of smell and taste is a normal part of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Several caregivers have found their loved ones are more attracted to sweeter foods, as sweet is the last taste lost. Also, some caregivers have found their loved ones are more likely to eat colorful foods.

Another normal part of the disease progression is the loss of visual abilities. This does not mean the person with dementia has problems with their eyes. The problem is in the brain’s ability to interpret what the eyes are seeing. If you can image looking directly at a fork on the table and although your eyes can see it your brain can not read the data the eyes are sending. As you had mentioned your mom’s vision tests were coming back normal, which means her acuity is fine and the problem most likely is related to the progression of the dementia to her visual cortex. This part of the progression is known by some as visual-spatial difficulties. In your mom’s case, this means that she needs more care. She is at risk for falling, and may be unable to perform certain tasks as her vision will continue to get worse. Her inability to see could also be affecting her problems with eating. Many persons with visual spatial problems eventually completely lose the ability to see as the disease progresses further. You should speak with your mother’s doctor or neurologist further on this matter.

You are dealing with some very challenging parts of caregiver for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. If you have any further questions or concerns about this or any other topic related to dementia please feel free to call 800.272.3900 and speak directly with a care consultant

Best Regards,

Jaimie E.

Alzheimer’s Association
Care Consultant

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jaimie E.,

Thanks, Jaimie.

Everything you have said makes sense. Mom does have problems with seeing things right in front of her, especially when eating. She gets confused with what utensils to use, drinking out of a cup (especially with a straw), etc. It is so difficult to see her this way, especially with her being so young.

Thanks for the info.

Denise