Any tips on getting older people with alzheimer's to eat? we provide plenty of his favorites but he will only eat a few bites.

Very hard: To make people eat when they dont want to. I assume you are not going to put in a feeding tube.

It's tough: I would try to make sure that he is not on any medication that might suppress appetite. Also the medication Remeron (mirtazapine) often times stimulate appetite.

Challenging, but : Pay attention to medications, which can suppress appetite and cause weight loss. The culprits include the very drugs to help memory loss, such as aricept, exelon, galantamine, (galantamine hydrobromide) but other meds may be a problem. However, many pts lose their sense of smell and thereby, all flavors are like cardboard. A prescription cannabinoid, marinol, may help.

Creativity: Providing anything he will eat, offering frequent snacks and meals, trying to emphasize calorie dense foods. Also 'fingerfoods' offered on the go can be helpful. An occupational therapist can also help with ideas. However weight loss and a decreased interest in food can indicate other issues like constipation or nearing the end of life.