Mom is 83. in an independent living community. There are no special diets. she has free will to eat what and when she pleases. and she's gained a lot of weight. i'd say maybe 25 lbs this past yr. how do in coax her into eating better? we go to the grocery store, she buys fruit, but then doesn't eat it. I wind up throwing a lot of her food out. she argues with me about what she wants to buy. if I buy it and take it to her, she still wont eat it. loves her sweets. snack foods.. they have coffee and donuts in a bistro every morning. that's where i'll find her. and plates of donuts brought back to her room. not too big on the walking or exercising. i'm lost...
How advanced is her condition? As she progresses, it's likely she will need more supervised assistance. At that time, the meals and snacks will become standard and maybe, she'll lose weight then. Also, I've noticed that a lot of people with dementia tend to lose weight. I'm not sure why.
Sometimes it is best to let them lives their lives in the way they choose, and hope for the best.
The ALZ might be a complicating factor in any weight loss attempt though, so you might have to think of ways you can sneak in the exercise as a function of some pleasurable social event.
Can you interest her in activities, which would require walking at least a little bit?
This might not work, but you can try one of the small exercise bikes that are really just a set of pedals. My father uses one while he's sitting down. It works the lower and upper legs. She could work out her legs and strengthen them while she's watching tv or visiting others in the complex.
I'm wondering about her breathing. Other than lack of exercise and some excess weight, are there any respiratory issues to be addressed? Would she use an incentive spirometer if you got one for her?