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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Appetite Loss And Dehydration Be Treated?

my mom is 88 years of age and has moderate dementia, she says she is always full, but eat very little. it is hard to get her to drink liquids, she was severely dehydrated a week ago. i can not get her to eat & drik as much as she is supposed to. Elequis & and a blood thinner is important that she take every day. she hides her meds and pretend to take them. Please help me.
Thu, 11 May 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Eliquis is a blood thinner and as you stated, is an important medication because it would reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The medications should be removed from her possession and she should be given when she needs to take them.

The desire to eat and drink is unfortunately controlled by our thought processes and in persons with dementia, this desire eventually diminishes, it is due to loss of brain function.
You can try the use of appetite stimulants and vitamins to see if this may cause her to have an increased appetite.

The other option would be a tube.

I hope this helps
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How Can Appetite Loss And Dehydration Be Treated?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Eliquis is a blood thinner and as you stated, is an important medication because it would reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. The medications should be removed from her possession and she should be given when she needs to take them. The desire to eat and drink is unfortunately controlled by our thought processes and in persons with dementia, this desire eventually diminishes, it is due to loss of brain function. You can try the use of appetite stimulants and vitamins to see if this may cause her to have an increased appetite. The other option would be a tube. I hope this helps