Alzheimer’s and Sugar

MimiDIL

My MIL is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. The disease has progressed slowly (15 years), but she is now firmly in Stage 4. Among other changes in behavior, she has recently begun hoarding food…especially sweet foods. While I know hoarding and hiding is typical, my question is more about her overall diet. My FIL is her PCG. He keeps bowls and candy dishes stocked with candy. My MIL’s primary source of nuitrition appears to be these candies except for a cheeseburger he gets from a local fast food restaurant.

My MIL is definitely gaining weight from the increased calories she is taking in and a significant reduction in her activity. My question is: Is there anything inherently dangerous with eating so much sugar? I know sugar cravings are common at this stage. But, aside from the fact that her diet is not balanced, will the sugar itself? Will it progress faster? Or is the danger the same as anyone who would be eating large amounts of sugar?

SusanB-dil

MIL borders on pre-diabetic. So yes, we definitely watch the sugar intake.

A clueless family member has stated that it shouldn't matter at this point. But we don't want the complications of full-blown diabetes. Besides, sugar winds her up, as it does a child, and we don't need that, either, on top of everything else we deal with.

If your MIL's sugar levels are good, I'm sure some wouldn't hurt, but unfortunately, I don't think that much sugar would be good for anybody.

Is FIL overwhelmed? Primarily living on the burgers probably isn't very good for him, either, but could be just easier for him.

And yes, my MIL's sugar cravings are certainly 'up there'. We keep her reasonably supplied with the sugar-free cookies. Holidays, I have to bake desserts. Just fyi - Fortunately, Pillsbury has sugar-free cake mix and brownies. Sugar-free pudding pies or yogurt/jello pies are nice and cool for summer! The sugar-free candies and chocolates have come a long way, too, and aren't bad at all. (Ooh - Maybe you could switch out some of them?)

Edit to add: I don't know if sugar, or excess, would cause further decline, but it probably wouldn't be good for a LO in any case.