When should I involve a doctor or dietitian in my loved one’s nutrition?

May 2026

This is one of the most important questions a caregiver can ask. Many families try to manage nutrition concerns on their own for a long time, and that instinct makes sense. You are the one preparing meals, watching what gets eaten, and noticing changes day to day. But there are moments when what you are seeing at home needs a professional set of eyes.

Here is what I tell families to watch for. If your loved one is losing weight without trying (especially more than five percent of their body weight in a month or ten percent over six months), that is a clear signal to call the doctor. The same goes for any signs of trouble swallowing: coughing during meals, a wet/gurgly voice after eating, or food that seems to get stuck. These can point to aspiration risk, which is serious and needs evaluation by a speech-language pathologist.

Other red flags include refusing food or fluids for more than a day, signs of dehydration that are not improving, new digestive problems, or skin changes like wounds that will not heal or unusual bruising. Any of these can indicate that something nutritional is falling short.

A registered dietitian, ideally one with experience in older adults or dementia, can also be a tremendous resource. They can look at what your loved one is actually eating and help you build a realistic plan around their preferences and abilities. Sometimes the most valuable thing they do is tell you that what you are already doing is enough.

You do not need to wait for a crisis to reach out. Your Lizzy Care navigator can help you connect with the right professionals and make sure nutrition stays part of the bigger care conversation.

Each month, Dr. Marc Rothman, our CEO and a seasoned geriatric expert, addresses your concerns, providing practical advice and compassionate solutions to the challenges faced by those caring for loved ones with dementia. Whether you’re looking for strategies to manage daily care routines or need clarity on medical aspects of dementia, Dr. Marc is here to help. Join us to explore his responses to community questions and submit your own queries to deepen your understanding and enhance your caregiving journey.

If there’s a question you’d like to ask Dr. Marc send it to us.