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She is 97. She has dementia, but still knows me and gets around okay. I have offered her Boost, but she doesn’t drink it. Is this part of the illness?

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Weight loss is usually part of a poor appetite or problems eating. She may have dental problems or swallowing problems. She may be constipated (should poop every 3rd day at the very least and have light-colored urine). She may not be eating nutrient-dense foods (proteins and produce). She may not be taking in enough calories though she may be eating a lot of low calorie foods (sugar free, salads...). She may also have medical problems that should be evaluated by a medical doctor.

Try giving her calorie dense supplements that are high in protein and higher calorie. Consider ones with fiber if constipation is a problem. 5 cans a day can meet calorie and nutrient needs short term.
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Reply to Taarna
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Get your mother evaluated by her doctor but appears to be she is dying. Her lost appetite could mean her organs are shutting down.
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Reply to Patathome01
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Read this website:
https://optoceutics.com/why-do-dementia-alzheimer-patients-stop-eating/?srsltid=AfmBOopTPPoMD3lK91_Lbutmt4LsyckRZwN_Uy_xxk6I4dCr7FQrmiO3

In part, it says:

Why Do Dementia & Alzheimer’s Patients Stop Eating? What To Do And Not Do
Written by Christopher Ravn, on 6-25-24/updated on 4/18/25
Scientifically Reviewed by Mai Nguyen

Loss of appetite and changes in eating habits are common challenges for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s. These changes can be distressing for caregivers and family members, as proper nutrition is crucial for overall health and well-being. This comprehensive guide explores the various reasons why dementia and Alzheimer’s patients may stop eating and provide practical solutions and strategies to ensure they receive adequate nourishment and maintain a healthy diet.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Why Do Alzheimer’s And Dementia Patients Stop Eating? 
2. Do Dementia Medications Affect Appetite? 
3. What Can Help To Encourage Appetite In Dementia Patients? 
4. What Happens When Dementia Patients Stop Eating? 
5. Why Do People With Late-Stage Dementia Stop Eating And Drinking? 
6. What Are The Psychological Reasons Dementia Patients Stop Eating? 
7. What Exact Stage Of Dementia Do Patients Stop Eating? 
8. What To Do If Dementia Patients Stop Eating? 
9. Health Implications Of Not Eating In Dementia Patients 
10. Frequently Asked Questions About Why Do Dementia Patients Stop Eating? 
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Reply to TouchMatters
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MEHuff: Prayers forthcoming.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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It could be a loss of taste or smell, trouble with vision or medications. I would check with the doctors. Best of luck to you. ❤️
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Reply to Tiger8
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I can recommend Hospice Nurse Julie’s videos on YouTube and also Atul Gawande’s book Being Mortal. Both do much to explain what is normal at the end of life and what we can do.

Eating less is definitely one of the signs as others here have described, it actually helps the person have a more peaceful death since the body naturally goes through a process of shutting itself down and there’s an anesthetic effect.

Unexplained weight loss however is something for the doctor to look at.
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Reply to GinnyK
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I faced the same issue. My mom was 93 and just abruptly started to refuse food. She lost interest in everything she typically loved to eat. I tried everything. She simply had no appetite. I did engage hospice and they predicted 6 weeks and she passed a few days later. She was in no pain. That was in 2022 and I still question did I do enough or too much. I think her body simply was ready to go. She had dementia and was not aware that she was failing until the very last day. You simply cannot control or fix everything.
Let her know you love her, minimize her discomfort and make her feel safe.
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Reply to Msblcb
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This is what happens when ones life is drawing near its end, so definitely bring hospice on board now, and let them make sure that she's kept comfortable as she leaves this life for the next.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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Its likely failure to thrive. Ask moms doctor for a hospice evaluation to be ordered. Weight loss is a criteria for acceptance. My mother passed from advanced dementia at 95 and still knew me by name.

Best of luck.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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MEHuff May 31, 2025
Thank you. I never expected to be going down this road. She just seems like she is slipping away. It is so hard to watch. I am always town between “am I doing to much or do I need to do more” at this point I don’t know what that looks like. Any way thank you.
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