Lack of appetite occurred two months ago - breakfast and dinner were not an issue, although the meals were small. We have been using Boost to supplement his diet - the high caloric, protein and plus ones. He is usually asked what his preferences are for meals, but this does not work.
Please advise.
Just as many post stroke patients say their sense of taste is different and thus they don’t like the same foods they *loved* before the stroke. From my experience as a HC RN I think tastebuds are effected by a stroke due to injury to the part of the brain that controls food appeal.
This is a really hard for caregivers as the CG feel so helpless because the patient just can’t eat what was lovingly prepared by their spouse even though it was their favorite food prior to the stroke. . The person almost always loses weight and it gets alarming. Nutrition is important for a recovering CVA. Food is Love, and when that love is refused the CG can get their feelings hurt.
I recommend you continue offering the supplement and keep trying different foods to see what works. Can she swallow protein shakes? There are also prescription protein “shots” (taken orally)- ASO her neurologist.
I also think you and she may benefit from a nutritional consult with a local dietician. They can help with good suggestions.m
Speech therapy can help too. ST are resourceful.
Notify her neurologist if she stops eating and drinking and if you find her ability to swallow has changed. This would be to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
Good luck to you!
Sometimes lack of appetite can lead to outright refusal to eat and this can be a sign that they are nearing the end of life, I always tried to keep that in mind and I resolved that although I might try my best to provide tempting food I would never coerce my mom to eat.
Sometimes an antidepressant can be helpful.