Yes, this is very common. Especially, if someone is eating something they like. They may honestly forget they had it and keep eating it again. Or it could be something they saw on tv and now they keep thinking about that same meal.
Thanks, Amott. Doc also said that he needs to stay away from dairy. My dad has a serious bedsore on his butt and rashes all over his body, with his skin flaking off all over. Doc said that he needs more Vit. C drinks (so I got apple juice, pomegranate drink, OJ, et... to tempt him) and protein - to help his body heal quickly. The protein is especially needed for his bedsore. He has cavities and refuses to go to the dentist. Hence his poor eating habits and being a picky eater. Thanks for giving me the tip. I will order it online and include it into his meals for protein.
My Mom had Alzheimer's. Until she went into a Memory Unit where she eats what is served she would only eat spaghetti or this sausage/onion/peppers meal with rice that my Dad prepared. He got tired of cooking the same thing every night but that is all she wanted. When they moved to Independent Living she ordered spaghetti all the time and would have had it for breakfast if it was offered. Before her illness she was a wonderful cook and always ate varied things. Also, her tasteds have changed. She used to LOVE lobster. Now she says she hates it and never ate it.
Bookluvr - I have a milk problem so I make a protein drink with Spiru-tein. It has 16 grms of protein, comes in many flavors and can be ordered on-line. There are many other protein drinks available, but they all contain milk. That might be something your father would like if he doesn't like to chew.
My mother is 86, fairly healthy and seems to be having some minor memory problems. She lives with me in a very small inlaw apt attached to my house with no stove but toaster oven, microwave and fridge. When I am home to cook dinner she eats what we are having if not her go to substitute is Jones microwavable sausage, egg and cheese on an english muffin for dinner for the 7 years she has been with me.
My father was that. Before the stroke, he would put sauer kraut and tomato catsup on everything. It got to the point that I could not eat with him because the food he put it in became very gross looking. My stomach literally would start heaving when I happened to see the food in his plate. Then he had his stroke. And he doesn't like anything that he used to love. At the moment, the only thing he wants to drink is the fiber grape drink or the chocolate almond milk (no milk in it). And he's gaining weight. And I dread him ever getting diabetes (runs in his family.) I think it's a phase. After a while, he's going to get tired of drinking the same thing over and over for months. His doctor said that he needs protein and Vit C in his nutrition. So, last night, I gave him apple juice. He really liked it. So, now, I've expanded his only 2 fluids to now 3. I need to go now and Google on what food I can give him that has protein and is Soft to chew.
Hi. My father says that he don't like to eat something but I ask him to do me a pleasure and eat with me. Usually, he likes what he eats while he's eating. Than, he forgets. Tomorrow, we eat french fries & meat (his favorite meal), and day after I ask him if I can choose what we eat. Compromise. In circles. That's what I do and it works ;)
I'm not sure if it's symptomatic of dementia as such, but it does seem to go with getting to old age and knowing what you like. The day my mother won't eat a smoked salmon sandwich I'll know she's ready to cash in her chips.
As long as your mother's fixed on something reasonably nutritious, I shouldn't worry. Slip her a common or garden variety multivitamin to cover any gaps and she'll be fine.
Hi. My experience with my Mom and Alzheimer's is that she would only eat grilled cheese sandwiches and crackers/cookies. She became unable to use the fork and spoon well, so she liked things she could pick up with her fingers. This is what we allowed her to do for her own happiness and comfort. Hope this helps.
As long as your mother's fixed on something reasonably nutritious, I shouldn't worry. Slip her a common or garden variety multivitamin to cover any gaps and she'll be fine.