Is it a common thing for people with AD to lose a lot of weight and not eat very much (or even seem hungry)? I know my Dad forgets whether or not he's eaten, but it never really seems like he's ever really hungry. He'll eat if you give him food.

Hi
Just be persistent, set goals, make little changes and stick with them. You will get to where you want to be. You really have to want it, I did and I'm at my goal weight now. Please check out my blog, I think you will enjoy the information , The link is below and Best of luck

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This message has been edited. Last edited by: Moms_Buddy,

Moe, Tasha, et al...!
Can't concur or emphasis enough regarding Vitamin B12 levels in our LOs! No, it may not be a panacea, but I urge everyone to insist their LOs doctor check blood levels and even if borderline have them receive Vit B12 injections.

My own Dad was borderline and is now receiving monthly injections. I also have him take sublingual VitB12, B6 and Folic Acid. He has been receiving them for two years. I can tell a big difference in him if he misses an injection by a week or so.

Prior to this Dad was exhibit very weird eating habits to include EATING RAW MEAT! Now, that sounds gross but physiologically it makes sense as meat contains a high amount of Vit B12 especially when RAW (oh, how gross!)

Stomach acids are weaker in the elderly and intestinal changes occur so the assimilation of B vitamins from foods is weakened. So injections of the vitamins are necessary to aid in proper digestion of foods. Amazing how wonderful our bodies have been created and how fine tuned they are when in working order! And how "out of whack" they become when one thing is off just slightly.


SemperFi

Tasha,
Yes, lack of appetite and weight loss is common. Don't ask your Dad if he's hungry or wants to eat, just fix it and put it in front of him. I try to fix 3-4 small meals daily. Stuff my Aunt likes to eat - usually fried foods. Folks this age were raised on fried potatos, fried meat etc so they tend to eat this stuff. Don't forget lots of veggies and fruit. I also serve ice cream 2X every day for added calicum and calories. Obviously, I'm not worried about watching my Aunt's cholestrol levels at this point!!
Lack of appetite can also be a sign of depression or anemia. Sometimes extra vitamin B can help also.
Good luck getting your LO to eat is challenging.