Thinking About Weight Loss?

It is typically a scary and troubling sign when you see a sick loved one lose a great deal of weight. Drastic weight loss usually leads to failing health, although a main reason is just general aging. Alzheimer’s patients usually lose weight because they change their diets accordingly. If you sense that your patient or loved one is suffering from a drastic weight loss, here’s what you can do:

Observe. Don’t only pay attention to their diet. Be sure to also make note of their general physical, mental and emotional state. These other states can help to make a further diagnosis. Sometimes weight loss can be attached to depression or anxiety which is common for those individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

Ask Questions and Take Notes. Try to consider all of the changes that have taken place in the life of your loved one. Have they started a new medication? Have they been more active? Have they added something or cut something out of their diet? These sorts of question can help figure out the cause of the weight loss.

Get Interested. Again, these sorts of weight loss issues are very closely tied to anxiety or depression. Try to get your loved one talking and letting them know that you are concerned. It is very possible that they are lonely and don’t know who to talk to about what is going on. In general, it will make them feel good to share conversations and experiences with you.

Monitor. Be sure to set a schedule to monitor their weight. Discuss with a doctor what is considered ‘normal’ weight loss, and be sure to keep the involved on your monthly weight journal. The professionals can help you discover the underlying cause of this issue.

 

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