Help with not eating

jb2424

My mother has virtually stopped eating. She has lost nearly 50 pounds in the last 4-5 months. Her eating has dropped to maybe a half cup of food maybe twice a day. She a is still active and very independent including cooking for herself and my father. I need help. I have tried everything I can think of. Where can I turn?

Emily 123

Hi jb2424,

Does she have dementia? Has she been to her care provider?

jb2424

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/231551#Comment_231551

Yes, she has diagnose dementia. My father has taken her to her care provider but he (my father) doesn't seem to have the answers and is turning to me. Both are very independent and haven't wanted me to go to the doctor with them.

housefinch

Do you live locally or could you visit to see how your parents are doing, and attend a medical appointment? A lot of decisions about medical evaluation would depend on her level of dementia.

Emily 123

I think you probably aren't going to know what's going on unless you go to the provider with them. Usually in dementia the person begins to lose weight when they're in the later stages, but a later stage person generally wouldn't be able to manage to make daily meals or be independent. You can't make a plan if you don't know what's going on. Is your father able to be independent as well or does he have some dementia or other healthcare issue?

H1235

Is there a patient portal you can get on that will cover what was discussed at the last appointment? If they just haven’t set one up I would do it for her. Do you have hippa rights or medical poa? Maybe call the doctors office and talk with the nurse and explain the situation. If you don’t have hipaa rights you’re going to need them. I would get the paper, have your mom sign it or jump through whatever hoops you need to. I think in the future I would be more insistent about going to the doctor with them. Or maybe suggest you make a fun day out of it and go to lunch after the appointment. Good luck.