Do you care for someone with Alzheimer's? Do they love sugar?

Question

A

ADCaregivers Asked June 2015

Do you care for someone with Alzheimer's? Do they love sugar?

Cookies, pastry, ice cream,etc?. I have 4 clients who love sugary foods. Why? My nutritionist has researched this question, with little scientific results. I now have a 94 year old who loves Startbuck's Frappacinos. At first, I thought it was a coincidence that clients with Alzheimer's loved sugar. But now I see this love of sugar in 6 of my clients. I can't find a nutritionist for geriatrics.
Is a brain chemical thing or something they remember from childhood or does it simply taste good? Is sugar what their taste buds remember best? Meals are always foods they like like, so it is not a lack of nutrients or lack of food.
I know this sounds like a stupid question, but sugar is not good for oral health, especially if they forget to brush unless reminded.
Thank you in advance for your insights, I know that many of you have much more experience in caregiving that I do.

Alzheimer's & Dementia

11 Answers

Most
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First

Recent Questions

Related Questions

score 0 · Answer 1

Everyone-thank you for sharing your experiences about sugar and sweets. It is so wonderful to feel that I am not the only one observing the love of sugar. However tooth decay is expensive to treat. And getting people with Alzheimer's to brush their teeth is often tough! Best, Ann

Helpful Answer (0)

score 1 · Answer 2

I'm getting old lol sweets I love

Helpful Answer (1)

score 0 · Answer 3

It's all old people not just Alzheimer's

Helpful Answer (0)

score 0 · Answer 4

I know why because sweet is the last taste buds to stop working with aging . I'm a RN and it was in a I service I took from a nutrition expert

Helpful Answer (0)

score 0 · Answer 5

my dad does have dementia and ALZ . He loves his sweets , he always has. He is 88 and the future is not bright so the present is all he has and he could have as much comfort food as he wants along with his healthy food. At his age and with his condition why not?

Helpful Answer (0)

score 0 · Answer 6

My parents are in their 90's, still sharp thus no dementia or Alzheimer, just normal age forgetfulness. I get my mother's grocery list and my teeth hurt just reading over what she and Dad want.

As txcamper mentioned above, as we age our taste buds also age decline.... but with my parents at 90 something, I am not about to change their diet, apparently they are doing something right :)

Helpful Answer (0)

score 2 · Answer 7

We exercise and watch our diets so we can live to a ripe old age. If I ever reach 94 you'd better not be trying to keep me on a diet.... just sayin' LOL

Helpful Answer (2)

score 1 · Answer 8

I should have expanded my response. So that while the elderly eat different foods, the sweet things are the ones they enjoy the most.

Helpful Answer (1)

score 2 · Answer 9

The way I understand it, as we age our tastebuds die off. The ones that define sweet are the last to go. This might not be true or provable, but I find it to be the case.

Helpful Answer (2)

score 1 · Answer 10

@MaggieMarshall. I feel that way too, but I often wonder if I am doing the right thing for their health.

Helpful Answer (1)

score 1 · Answer 11

Half the planet loves sugary foods. The other half loves salt. Unless they have dietary restrictions, find their bliss and feed it. Everything in moderation. ;)

Helpful Answer (1)

Do you care for someone with Alzheimer's? Do they love sugar?

11 Answers

Recent Questions

Popular Questions

Related Questions

Ask a Question