How to get my DW to eat when she's hungry but won't.

Jeff H · March 31

I have noticed that my DW get's cranky when she's hungry. I ask her what she would like to eat and she says she doesn't want anything. I know she's hungry but refuses to eat. I ask her about all her favorite foods with no luck. It's just frustrating, because if she does actually eat something, she is in her happy place.

Timmyd · March 31

For me, talking to DW about food does not work. I prepare and present the food at meal time and make sure it is easily accessible. I describe it as I give it to her and make sure it sounds exciting and tasty. I let her sit with it for at least 30 minutes, sometimes an hour before I take uneaten food away. Snacks are similar. I make sure she sees them and they are easily accessible. I think the best you can do is to make sure that food you know she likes is available and easily accessible. With DW, we are well beyond the point of being able to use words to communicate effectively about food.

Goodlife2025 · March 31

Ditto what Timmyd says. DW no longer knows or could tell me if she is hungry. The past year she has said no to being hungry any time I have asked and couldn't name a food she is wanting/craving in several years. Also, as we are transitioning from stage 5, I have noticed her appetite is just diminishing in general.

Side thought: Thank you to each of you. I read your posts nearly everyday and because of all the wisdom and experiences shared here I feel like this has been something I am somewhat prepared for. It has not been as alarming as it might have been watching her diet and eating routines change. Just another example of how this site is really one of the only sources for all the tidbits you will need as a caregiver.

eligius · March 31

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/75685/how-to-get-my-dw-to-eat-when-she-039-s-hungry-but-won-039-t

have same problem with my DW. Sometimes she will eat if I tell her: “just eat what you can, don’t worry, I can put it away for later”. Sit with her and give her time.

nanasharon · March 31

Will she drink a smoothie or meal replacement shake, such as Boost?

blacksparky · March 31

Hi Jeff, I agree with all these previous suggestions. I have a pretty good idea on what my DW has liked in the past. It’s always not exactly the healthiest meals but she eventually eats them. I don’t ask her anymore just make the meal and give it to her. I have mastered pb&j sandwiches along with any pasta dish or grilled cheese sandwiches. I will cut up fresh fruit each afternoon and put it in a bowl and she will pick at it most times eventually eating all of it. I keep raisins, nuts, graham crackers and cookies around also for snacking. I know this disease will eventually cause her to lose weight so I’m not too concerned about her eating that healthy. She’s happy with her food choices so who am I to take what little happiness she has from her.

jfkoc · March 31

MAKING A DECISION MAY BE THE PROBLEM. TRY FIXING AND PUTTING IT IN FRONT OF HER.

Jeff H · 2:51AM

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/269211#Comment_269211

I have tried the Quest brand bars for a snack and my DW sometimes accepts them. They do help. My DW loves her cheeseburgers. While not great, it keeps her happy. I have gone into a routine of having a cheeseburger ready around 4pm when she gets cranky. She eats it and is very satisfied and is fine for the rest of the night. It's been working greats so far. It's not the healthiest but the battle is over.

How to get my DW to eat when she's hungry but won't.

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