Is it normal progression for dementia patient to eat well, but still lose weight?

My husband is also hungry ALL the time. But I think it is just because he's forgotten that we ate already. I keep lots of fruit and yoghurts at home for times like that. His nose is also running a lot. Mostly when he eats. I have not spoken to a doctor about that yet. Some days he is more confused than other days. Yesterday he wanted to go to school. I was only able to destract him after I took him outside in the sun and shaved him. After that, he totally forgot about going to school. Some days he ask me when is his Mom coming home. She passed away 20 years ago!!! Then other time, he asks me where my husband is, but he knows me and my name???

As the disease progresses, the muscles will atrophy and the ability to absorb nutrients from food will diminish. With early-onset dementia she has a genetic component to her dementia and there is nothing to do. My best wishes for your family.

I have experienced rapid weight loss with two of my dementia clients. It seems to happen almost overnight. Now I weigh my clients weekly and track their weight so I can see changes more clearly. A digital scale with large numbers will make this task easier. I think it is easy to over estimate how many calories someone is eating , unless keep track of them rigorously.
You might try the red dishes routine, as suggested by the Alzheimer's Reading Room blog. I am not convinced that red dishes work for everyone. Find really cheap red china and transfer her food onto it. See if she eats more.
The previous commenters are so right. You need to rule out a medical cause. Perhaps you need a second opinion.

My Mom is going through the same thing with her disease as well. I left the corporate world to care for her - (she also has caregivers come who help me) I know what she eats and how much. She eats 5/6 times a day - I too think it is just part of the disease - would I treat her at 84 if it wasn't "no" - I am just letting nature takes its course - she has had dementia/Alzheimer's now for 9 year's. All of her blood work is "normal" as well - good luck to all.

Normal progression or not, weight loss can be a part of a neurological disorder. My spouse has Progressive Supranuclear Palsy—said to "mimic" Parkinson's and dementia—and went from over 180 pounds to under 140 in a couple of years despite eating quite a lot of food, especially at dinner time. His neurologist says it is part of the disease and that extra protein might help. Bill is now in assisted living and I keep his mini-fridge stocked with protein shakes and cheese sticks. He also has a supply of granola bars.

As people age, their bodies become less efficient in absorbing nutrients. Add a serious illness or two and this is generally a bigger problem.

I'm only guessing, but if she's eating well but still losing weight it seems as though she's not absorbing the nutrients from the food. Her doctor is the best source of information here, but one thought is that supplements that are made to be absorbed without depending on the digestive tract may help.

Good answers from every one here so read the whole thread and see if you pick up on something that may help.

Take care,
Carol

My Mom has also begun to lose weight, she eats well with help. I'm having a hard time getting her to drink enough not sure why that is, her Dr. is also not concerned. I have always been told it is part of the process but I also worry about it.

My mom is currently losing weight although she continues to eat at least 3 meals a day. We have an appointment with a GI next month to see if he can find a cause, however your case sounds very similar to my mom.

My, now 87 year young, mother was diagnosed several years ago with dementia. Her M.D. put her on aricept which kept it at back burner with just some forgetfulness. Then about 2 years ago she went in to full onset dementia she is now into last stages and her degression has been quick and each time she decreases it is almost overnight and of course she looses more of herself. She went from being in chair paddling along with her feet to bed ridden in a week. She has total incontinence , trouble chewing and swallowing. Even with those problems she still has a very hearty appetite and eats well. She is home with me and I have 3 other ladies that help me to c after her every need round the clock. She too has lost weight though she out two farmhands. She is always hungry as she forgets she has eaten no matter how much she eats. I was told that it is part of the disease. Especially in later stages. Comfort and giving her as good of quality life as possible is now all that I can do because as you say she can never recover. With all the tragedy and loss she has withstood in past 11 years the memory loss is all that has kept her here surviving this long. I wish you, your cousin and family all the best. I wish you all comfort and peace. It is such a hard thing to watch a loved one go thru and hard for them as well. They know things aren't right but don't know why or how to fix it. They live in total confusion. We loose the person we always knew long before they are gone then loose them many more times as they degrees each stage. Luck and best wishes, Daphne

My MIL had vascular dementia. What you are describing is exactly how her weight loss occurred. As she had gotten older she had put on a good deal of weight. While still eating really well, weight began to just fall off her. Her digestive system was failing. She had anasognosia - was totally unaware that she had dementia, and was thrilled with the weight loss. Your description sounds so much like my MIL, even with the feet propelled wheelchair. MIL never did lose speech. Just months before she passed she developed the swallowing issues as internal failures continued. Impacted bowels also began to be a problem.

I appreciate your response. I usually see her eat meals at least once per week. Other times, it's for snacks. I have also talked with the staff and they confirm she always eats well. It's not a very large place, so it's not that difficult to note if she's not eating. Their dining room has about 20 people and some of them receive assistance.

At this point, it's palliative care that I think is appropriate. That's the route she took with her mom and we had discussed it many times before she became ill. We are not doing cancer screenings and my primary goal is to keep her comfortable. Besides, if the dementia is causing her to lose, because that's just the progression of the disease, then we will accept it. I know that she cannot recover from this.

Aside from losing muscle mass from inactivity if she eats enough she shouldn't lose weight.
How often are you there at mealtime? How certain are you that the staff is really paying attention to her dietary intake? Some places will note that someone was at the table at mealtime, but not necessarily keep track of whether or not they actually eat.
If there is something else causing the weight loss it sounds like you would not be willing to treat it at this point? Either way it can't hurt to try adding some supplements like boost/ensure if she will take them.