My mother eats cookies and snacks in bed at night. I don’t think it’s a good idea for her to do this, what can I do to stop it?

If you don't get to eat your dessert first when you're 96 then when do you?

Seriously, let your mother please herself.

If her doctor says it's fine, then I would be happy that my LO was enjoying herself as she approaches 100 years. I think that seniors should eat what they like, unless there is some compelling medical reason not to.

Is your mother losing weight?

Why do you think that this is a problem if the doctor says that it's okay?

As folks age, their taste buds change. I'm told that the only thing they can taste is sweet. It was certainly true of my mom.

Unless the crumbs are attracting vermin, I think you should offer healthy foods and let her eat what she wants otherwise.

My dear friend's mother, in the last year or so of her life ate barely any "real ' food, but kept her nightstand drawer packed with those delicious Lindt chocolate truffles. She ate a ton, her daughter never knew how many, but honestly? At age 90 and having lived a hard, long life as a farmer's wife, who cared if 90% of her diet was chocolate.

Everyone who visited her in the NH knew to bring a bag or ten--and she'd add them to her stash.

I hope when I'm, 93 my family keeps me well stocked with those.

I agree with the idea of letting your mom have whatever she wants.

Heck, I eat snacks in bed every single night. It might not be good for me, but it's my way of coping with being my mom's 24/7 caregiver.

Most nights I wake up between 1 - 3:00am. Most nights - when this happens - I tippy toe to the kitchen and get 2 chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk. I’m 57.

Sometimes, I wonder if my subconscious is waking me up just because I love my cookies and milk - all by myself, as everyone else sleeps - so very, very much. It really is the best part of my day - some days.

I sure hope that if I make it to 96 - which I kinda doubt - but if I do, I sure hope no one tries to stop me. From my cookies and milk, that is.

Seriously, at her age - what is it about this that bothers you so much?

Sweets are a immediate satisfaction. Like said when you lose you sense of taste, which Dementia patient do, sugar and salt they still can taste. Think about it, do u eat things that don't taste good. Why should Mom.

Do you know the first sign of Dementia is losing your sense of smell and taste.

Let her be. She is 96 with Dementia. Let her live her life doing what she wants.

Near the end my Luz would eat less than I felt she should , so I let her eat whatever she wanted and she was happy. some of the food that she would not eat required her to chew them more, like meats and some vegetables. Even though she would chew food for up to ten minutes per bite, including mashed potatoes.
She did lose weight but, for us, that was a good thing. She got down to almost 135 pound and I could handle her better at that weight.
I would agree that sugar free doods might be best along with a multivitamin. You may have to crush the vitamin and mix it with pudding or ice cream.

I used to drink Slimfast in a can. I would put it in the freezer for a couple of hours still it thickened up. Was like a milkshake and their Choc was good. Maybe you can do that with Ensure.

She's 96, what exactly are you concerned about?

I would let her eat what she wants and even make some nice fruity desserts so she is getting fiber.

Gummy vitamins daily with a probiotic and she will have the nutrition she needs.