Perhaps she's having trouble swallowing, as that is very common in folks with any of the dementias. Is her food all soft or pureed? And are her drinks thickened? If not she could develop aspiration pneumonia and that is usually fatal. My husband who had vascular dementia, developed aspiration pneumonia, and his doctor said that because of his dementia that his brain was no longer telling his throat to close when he ate, thus allowing his food to go into his lungs instead of his stomach. Or perhaps she has some teeth that are bothering her or has a sore in her mouth that might need to be addressed. Or it may just be a sign that she is getting ready to leave this world for the next. When the human body gets ready for this transition, it no longer needs or wants food and then eventually drink. And it is always advised not to force someone during this transition to eat or drink as it can be quite painful for them as the digestive system is shutting down. If the latter is going on, I would recommend bringing hospice on board as they will help you and your mom make the transition as smooth as possible. Blessings to you and your mom.
Could be several things. Sense of smell in decline. Taste buds in decline. Dementia affecting her ability to recognize hunger. Trouble swallowing, which also is common with dementia at its later stages. At 93 she may be approaching her end of life when loss of appetite is common even for those without dementia. Focus on things she will eat. Don't force-feed her. Adjust to her desire for and ability to tolerate food.
Dementia is a terminal disease. If your mother has advanced dementia, it could be that she is approaching the end of her life and refusing food b/c her body is beginning to shut down now as a result.
Speak with her doctor about what s/he feels is happening, and if it's time to get a hospice evaluation for her. Hospice is wonderful and can help her stay comfortable and anxiety/pain free during the entire end of life journey. My mother died in February of advanced dementia combined with heart issues, and hospice did a phenomenal job of keeping her comfortable. She too cut down her food intake dramatically in the months prior to her death, eating less and less until she refused all food and water completely.
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My husband who had vascular dementia, developed aspiration pneumonia, and his doctor said that because of his dementia that his brain was no longer telling his throat to close when he ate, thus allowing his food to go into his lungs instead of his stomach.
Or perhaps she has some teeth that are bothering her or has a sore in her mouth that might need to be addressed.
Or it may just be a sign that she is getting ready to leave this world for the next. When the human body gets ready for this transition, it no longer needs or wants food and then eventually drink. And it is always advised not to force someone during this transition to eat or drink as it can be quite painful for them as the digestive system is shutting down.
If the latter is going on, I would recommend bringing hospice on board as they will help you and your mom make the transition as smooth as possible.
Blessings to you and your mom.
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Speak with her doctor about what s/he feels is happening, and if it's time to get a hospice evaluation for her. Hospice is wonderful and can help her stay comfortable and anxiety/pain free during the entire end of life journey. My mother died in February of advanced dementia combined with heart issues, and hospice did a phenomenal job of keeping her comfortable. She too cut down her food intake dramatically in the months prior to her death, eating less and less until she refused all food and water completely.
Best of luck.