Alzheimer’s Disease and Weight Loss: Why It Happens and What Can Be Done

Caring for someone with Alzheimers disease is a tough job no doubt. And as your loved ones condition progresses new reasons to worry come up all the time. 
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Among those many common concerns are questions about your loved ones weight. Specifically weight loss. Because its very common for people with Alzheimers disease to shed pounds as their condition progresses. Some reports say up to 40 of people with dementia experience significant weight loss. 

Alzheimers disease and weight loss are intricately linked confirms Alzheimers disease specialist Jagan Pillai MD PhD. There are dozens of reasons why people living with dementia lose weight. But when we can pinpoint why its happening we can often find strategies for treating it. 
So why exactly do people with Alzheimers disease lose weight? Dr. Pillai explains whats happening and what can be done. 
Why people with Alzheimers disease lose weight 
Weight loss is most common in the intermediate and later stages of Alzheimers disease but it can happen much earlier too. It can even be an early sign of dementia before a person is diagnosed with the condition in some cases.
Weight loss in older age can be cause for concern in anyone. Thats because weight loss often goes handinhand with muscle loss which can put you at risk for slips falls broken bones and a general decline in quality of life. And coupling those risks with a progressive brain disease like Alzheimers poses a real threat to your loved ones wellbeing.
Dr. Pillai shares factors that can cause weight loss in people with Alzheimers.
Progression of Alzheimers disease
As dementia progresses it can change a persons relationship with food and their ability to eat which can lead to weight loss. 
Food preferences may change and favorite foods may no longer hold interest. 
As the disease progresses people with Alzheimers may have completely different tastes for certain foods or they may lose interest in food altogether Dr. Pillai explains. For some people their senses like vision smell and taste can become impaired over time. That can make some foods seem less appetizing and makes stimulating their appetite difficult. 
Some people with Alzheimers disease may not be able to communicate those changes to their preferences or ask for foods theyd like to eat. They also may not be able to explain physical