Mom is not eating much these days. Any suggestions how to handle?

Before my mom entered the final stages of Alzheimer's the doctor said to let her eat anything and at any time she wants, just so long as she eats. But those days of your mother eating like she used to are over even if she's okay. Older people eat less and less generally.

Your post indicates just how concerned and taxed you are by what is obviously your excellent care giving of your mother. As a registered nurse and gerontologist, I wanted to address the appetite side of your question. It is important to understand that as you age, your appetite naturally decreases for a number of reasons. Most obviously and mechanically, there could be poor dental work causing discomfort. There is also a decrease in taste buds making food not as tasty and attractive as it was before. Furthermore, dietary restrictions such as low salt and low fat cut into the tastiness of food. Elderly people also have been known to grab what is easy rather than what is nutritious because it takes too much time and energy to prepare proper meals. You are right to suspect an infection because the sudden loss of appetite you describe. It could very well point to some sort of pathology and blood work at the doctor would be required for a diagnosis. You also mention that she can be ill tempered at times which may also indicate that some elements of depression, which is widespread among the elderly, might be a contributing factor. In addition to ruling out or treating any infection, making the food more enticing with herbs and spices to replace some of the loss from lack of salt and fat should help. Small meals consumed several times a day might be more palatable than the usual three squares they have had all these years. It is important to be very selective about the foods chosen and stocked in an elderly person’s home. Since they eat so sparingly, every mouthful should be as nutrient rich as possible. Anita K. M.P.S., R.N.