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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Short-term Memory While Having Dementia

My mother is approaching 85 yrs old this month & was diagnosed with dementia & severe ischemic disease approximately 6 years ago. She still recognizes me but has a lot of issues with short term memory & weight loss, She is in a memory care facility where she recieves excellent had a tendency to sleep a lot more than she used to to the point where she tries to skip meals. The staff is good about trying to encourage her to eat, but she refuses sometimes. Is the increased need for sleep & refusing food a normal progression or sign of the dementia turning into Alzheimer s? Thank you
posted on Tue, 9 Aug 2016
Twitter Sat, 10 Aug 2019 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 12 Aug 2019 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Yes, it is a common preceding in patients suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease frequently skip food. They may also do this due to depression & anxiety.

They may have difficulty in swallowing & should be encouraged t take small bites between sips of beverage. They should be encouraged to take a small amount of food multiple times a day.

Short term memory loss is treated with cognitive therapy, medication or surgery depending upon the type & stage of the disease.

Blueberries, nuts, fish, whole grain & poultry are good to slow down the acceleration of memory loss.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Nupur K, General & Family Physician
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Suggest Treatment For Short-term Memory While Having Dementia

Hello, Yes, it is a common preceding in patients suffering from dementia or Alzheimer s disease frequently skip food. They may also do this due to depression & anxiety. They may have difficulty in swallowing & should be encouraged t take small bites between sips of beverage. They should be encouraged to take a small amount of food multiple times a day. Short term memory loss is treated with cognitive therapy, medication or surgery depending upon the type & stage of the disease. Blueberries, nuts, fish, whole grain & poultry are good to slow down the acceleration of memory loss. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Nupur K, General & Family Physician