Last night we went out to dinner at a Mexican restaurant. (I think we'll do take-out from now on). They bring chips & salsa before the meal, and the salsa is extra hot. We also requested the milder one cause the hot has always been just TOO hot for either of us. My DH kept wanting to use the hot one and finally I just gave up. He took a huge spoonful which I expected to cause some reaction. Nothing! In fact, he took two more spoons full before I managed to move it to the other end of the table. That salsa is extremely hot and both my son and I were completely shocked that there was no reaction. (Don't know how that will be coming out the other end. LOL). It is scary, because now I know he could put absolutely anything in his mouth and not realize it is not edible. Household cleaners, etc.
My LW used to have a great taster and smeller. It has greatly diminished in the last year. She can still detect onions and most hot sauce she says is too hot but she keeps eating it. I have tried her on some food that she would never even try and she will now actually try it and sometimes eat it. I love creamed liver on toast and she actually ate some the other morning. She does not smell many things, especially body odors. For us men who probably more gas than the gals, it has simplified my apologising. But she hears great so I can't always slip one past her.
She mixes different foods on her plate and even puts catsup on her salad. I heard that this was quite common in later stages.
As the posterior portion of the brain becomes diseased the sense of smell and taste diminishes. Those affected may attempt to compensate for this loss with "hot spices" which can still burn the tongue and give at least a semblance of taste.
MY husband always ate most anything. The only things he did not like were chicken, pizza and anything chocolate. These days, if he is hungry he eats whatever is put in front of him including chicken and Pizza. Either forgot he didn't like them, decided is does like them or can't taste them. As for chocolate, can't give him enough.
Sid always liked bland food. Any zip in flavor and he complained - too spicy; too hot; don't like it. Now he wants things with hearty flavor. Still no spicy hot stuff, but much more flavor than he used to. Besides the dementia, I have been told that it could be due to all the different medications he takes.
My DH has lost a lot smell and taste. He always would eat just about anything except hot and really spicy foods. He still doesn't like them, but now he puts mustard, honey, sweet and sour sauce, or cheese on everything I give him! And I know he can't smell because when he uses after shave or cologne, he puts on too much. When I tell him he has on too much he says, well I can't smell it!
My DH eats anything. If we had Mexican food he had to take a Pepcid or something after eating. Now he jusr eats whatever and it doesn't seem like it bothers his stomach! Will let you know for sure because we will be having Mexican one night this week and we haven't had for a long time.
My DH has always had a "sweet tooth". Everyone referred to him as the cookie monster. When we went out to a buffet he would have just one tiny serving of salad and the main course, then would make maybe 5 or 6 trips to the desert bar. It's a wonder he never developed diabetes. Now he eats whatever I give him. Don't think I'll try liver and onions though. The one time his first wife said she was making liver and onions he told her if she did that he and the kids would be going to McDonalds. She did....and they did!
My husband eats just about anything except hamburgers and hotdogs. Eats hamburg meat, a lot of it, eats sausages (including knockwurst which are really just big dogs). But it is still almost impossible to get him to eat anything except a pretzel or cracker with his fingers. Raised to dissect squab with knife and fork, and still could do so! We eat a lot of middle-east food and mexican food and asian food. Little fried food.
My huband has the same problem about eating with his fingers. I've often read the advice that at a certain stage it will be necessary to feed him mostly finger food. NOT! He eats his sandwiches with a fork and his raw carrots, etc. When family comes they always look at him funny, then look at me. I just smile and shrug. I do cut up his food (except the sandwiches) for him. He will eat for a while and then leave the table and wander for a bit. I used to get uptight about that, but have learned that if I ignore him and just keep eating he will come back after a while and finish his food.
My husband and I have never eaten hot foods. I cooked a pot of beans and sausage last night. My husband liked the taste of them but said that I might not be able to eat them because they were too spicy. Both my son and I tasted them and they had no spice at all. I am very careful about seasoning the food because it effects us in a not nice way....lol..... besides it hurts our digestive track. I am wondering if this is due to the AD. I will be keeping an eye on this. My husband has had surgery June 5th and now that he is home we have both noticed some regression in his memory. Could this be something else being messed up in his brain? I am seeing so much regression lately it is ashamed. Also his temperment is getting worse. Just a multitude of issues right now. Prayer is needed.......
It is interesting that others have trouble eating with their fingers. I have also heard how eventually they have to have finger food but my husband would starve to death if that were to happen. The last time we went to McDonald's he couldn't get the fries out of the box and he LOVES McDonald's french fries. He also loves hamburgers but has stopped eating them because he can not eat them without them falling apart in his hands. We needed to go to town today about lunch time. I took his lap tray, a paper plate and a knife and fork. Got him a hamburger, cut it into pieces and poured the fries out of the container onto the plate and gave him his fork. He ate it all. If he can stab it with a fork or scoop it with a spoon, all is well.
ehamilton, My husband cannot seem to stab foods...everything always falls off into his plate or lap, however, he can eat a sandwich. He would eat a hamburger or chicken nuggets every meal if I let him, that is the only foods he likes anymore.
Kadee, my dh has trouble stabbing foods also but his sandwich falls apart on him too. My son in law is going to get him a small tong for him to try for salad (which he has quit eating). They are between tweezers and regular tongs. I would give him the hamburger or chicken nuggets as much as he wants if they work well for him. You can put just about any meat on a sandwich and if you can add tomato and greens that would be great. WallMart here has whole wheat HB buns.
ehamilton, won't be long until I will have to do finger foods. I also have to take ff out of the box. Since he has trouble with his fork now I can see a problem emerging there. One of the caregivers pleasures is eating out and I am afraid that is coming up before long. It actually has, he has mentioned he is going to have to stop eating out because of trouble with his back and handling his food but next time I mention stopping at someplace he feels comfortable, he is ready to go. We only do fast-food places. He doesn't stand out in the crowd as much there with the confusion and kids around.
if you press the sandwich on the top after preparation to flatten it out some it wil hold veggies in better -(fresh soft bread works really well) and then cut into four peices it helps them to holdit better -smaller peices to hold in one hand vs. two- i serve like ham/cheese/tomato/lettuce with small finger carrots/celery/pickles/olives.. he loves it and never has any issues when its smaller cut. just an idea divvi
It's weird-hubby is end stage but the only thing he can still do well is eat-and very neatly. He is on a chopped diet and eats with a spoon. On good days the staff will substitute regular food and observe him. We are so fortunate to have found his facility.
doneit, sometimes i do wonder if your DH could have some issues that are drug induced. eating well with utensils still takes a lot of coordination and balance issues so if he does so well it does raise a question? has he done better with less seroquel lately? divvi