Does anyone know if one glass of wine is ok for someone with dementia?

My mother is just about to finish year 4 in MC. ANYTHING they eat, drink or swallow other than food and beverage provided by the facility requires doctor approval. I was surprised to see she was allowed a small glass of wine (I forget now how many ounces), but the facility doesn't provide it. I didn't request this, it was just there in mom's file at the facility. I did get some help picking some out for her, as I can't even stand the smell of wine, never mind drinking it! I had no clue what to buy. I only did this a few times, preferably when I was there visiting and having a meal, so I could observe too. She sipped it. She didn't guzzle it down. She was FINE. I only did this a few times, with the small boxes of wine. Wasn't sure if she was getting it all herself or even what days as I was not there every day. She hasn't had any in quite some time.

Her dementia started before the move to MC, as much as 2 years, but was very early stages back then, and we had to wait for the place we chose to complete the rebuild and open each level in stages. She was never really a big drinker, but liked an occasional drink. The point here is that she was no longer in the "early" stages, but doc approved her having some. I think there were other residents who were allowed a glass of beer (also not provided by facility.)

I see NO harm in allowing someone with dementia to have one small glass of wine/day with a meal (see next paragraph.) Obviously we're not suggesting handing a whole bottle over to our LOs!!! Assumption is that he lives with you, so you have to ensure he won't dip into that open bottle. Perhaps find a way to mark the bottle, so you know none's been taken on the sly!

That said:
Although it certainly may be okay for those with dementia, it would be best to get approval from his doctor, which you've indicated you plan to do. Primary concern would be interaction with any medication he is taking and secondary would be the hallucinations. Some medications can't be taken with alcohol (alcohol might negate what the meds do sometimes, while other medications can enhance the effect of the alcohol.) If docs says there are no issues with medication or the hallucinations and approve it, I'd let him have the glass of wine with his meal. His time is limited, it isn't likely he's a drunk, just enjoys a glass a wine now and then. Why not make his day a little better, having his "treat"? Perhaps not with every meal, but if he requests it and doc says it's okay, go for it! We all have so little pleasures left these days and it's worse for our aging LOs who have already lost so much. Have one with him and make a special toast!

For some interesting info, see this:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-wine#bottom-line

I've often read that a glass of wine/day is somewhat healthy for one. Antioxidants and all that. After reading through the link contents, I was bumming because I don't drink wine, BUT it also says:

"Although research suggests that drinking a glass of wine has several potential health benefits, they can also be obtained by eating a healthy diet.

In other words, if you didn’t drink wine before, you don’t need to start simply for the health benefits."

Woo Hoo! I can get the bennies without holding my nose and gagging down a glass of wine!! BUT, with doc approval and father request, go get that wine!

There is a BIG difference between a "glass of wine" at dinner and half a bottle of whiskey every night.

Of course check with his Dr but I have never seen anything written or other wise that says a glass of wine will harm any adult. Drinking a bottle a night. That is different.

I highly doubt one glass or even two glasses of wine is going to impact hallucinations

Think about it.. what is your concern? Is he going to drink a glass of wine then drive the car?? Go chase the neighbor lady around her kitchen??

He has dementia he is not going to get better, go back to work, start dating someone. Let him enjoy what time he has left doing what he wants to do.

Every evening my Father in law drank a glass (sometimes two) of scotch from the time he was in his 40s until I think he was 91, then he was not able to hold the glass. It was a small thing he enjoyed at the end of the day. His children were always saying how dangerous this was, etc,etc. He NEVER drove anywhere after dinner, He was retired, he wasn't drinking half the bottle everynight. I said leave him alone let him enjoy it, that he did until his last couple of years on this earth.

If there was a problem it was that for his Birthday and Xmas I would buy him some unique (expensive) bottle of Scotch one year I bought a 60 yr old bottle. He apprecieted the thought but could never taste the difference between that and the standard stuff at the store!!! He drank them all the same.

I'm not a doctor, and you should ask your fathers physician, but I've done a little research of my own about red wine. According to a National Institutes of Health publication, Resveratrol, an ingredient found in red wine (not white wine that I know of) has been found to be "active in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases". Specifically, it "penetrates the blood brain barrier and thus protects the brain and nerve cells". As I understand it, "dementia" is not strictly a "cardiovascular" disease. But if red wine improves circulation in the brain, it stands to reason that it might be beneficial to over-all brain health. Perhaps in small quantities, at least, it might be a "therapeutic" as well as pleasurable addition to ones diet. Best to OK this with ones physician, however.

There are actually some conditions for which wine is recommended by doctors. If dad’s doctor says he may have a glass of wine,
An uncle of mine was prescribed a glass of wine every evening for an eye condition.
Some wine is NOT DANGEROUS.

A friend whose dad is in a memory care facility has a gin and tonic every night, provided by the facility. It's not a problem, and it keeps his accustomed routine going.

At the senior living facility where my Dad had lived, wine was allowed. The wait-persons kept Dad's wine in the refrigerator and he would get a 4 oz glass with his supper. Dad had sundowners.

My Dad at one time had hallucinations, was seeing ants on the wall and in his food, turned out it was an Urinary Track Infection. Once he was placed on antibodics, the ant issue went away.

I don't think the occasional glass of wine will do him any harm so long as it's only one glass. Don't leave the wine jug around for him to have as much as he wants.

I would give him a glass of grape juice or carbonated blueberry juice instead. I wouldn't give wine to my mother.

FloridaDD

Why ask the doctor if it is ok? The doctor don't care if you harm yourself. That's more money for him.

Do you think APS would be ok with you giving someone who has dementia, a glass of wine (alcohol)?

I hope your dad enjoys his glass of wine :)

NobodyGetsIt

Yes, you are correct. On a forum, there will be many different opinions, suggestions and advice.

At the end of the day, it will be up to the OP what he/she decides.

That's exactly what I was doing. Giving my opinion to the OP. I was not responding to any of the responses.

No, it is not ok to give whine to someone with dementia.

Do you realize what dementia does to the brain? You did imply that you believe he may be having hallucinations.

What about alcohol? Do you know how it affects/impairs the brain?
It is poisonous in every aspect.

For the sake of your father, please no, don't give him more to harm his mind/brain.

We don't always NEED what we want.

Dear "Martz06,"

Since I was up late last night when I posted my previous response I forgot that you can also try sparkling wine which can come in mini bottles ("MAYDAY'S" comment reminded me of that :) )

It has less alcohol and yet is still enjoyable to drink - even my husband and I will drink it occasionally.

Here is the information on it which I got from "Google"

Alcohol Content
Sparkling wines are lower in alcohol than many still wines. Prosecco and Asti have very low APV (alcohol by volume) levels at under 12.5 percent. California sparkling wine, Champagne, and Cava have a moderately low alcohol content at 12.5-13.5 percent. Some sparkling wines can have a lower APV level.

They sell wine "by the glass now". I think they come in "4 packs", so you can take 2 with you, one for dad and one for you :)

Make a little happy hour when you visit.

I am actually thinking about doing that with my LO.. well, maybe just 1 glass split between us ..Not sure how that would effect her.

Dear "Martz06,"

My mom is 95 with Alzheimer's and when she lived at her previous ALF, I would go with her to their happy hour and they served one of those 4 oz plastic cups with wine which she drank. She was never told not to drink alcohol.

As with anything moderation is the key - I never provided her with alcohol for her to have in her apartment. However, when I would take her out for special occasions I would get us each a glass of wine and once in awhile a Margarita or alcoholic coffee drink after lunch or dinner.

I guess I just did it by gauging her abilities once consumed. Currently, she is in a memory care unit and I'm not able to go inside the facility but for the first time, I was sent a picture from the director of my mom at their happy hour last Friday. I don't think she had anything to drink but, was there for the live music.

Also, I think since your dad has hallucinations, I would probably be concerned too. My mother has never experienced hallucinations so I would proceed with asking his new doctor just to be sure and to ease your mind.

I would allow him to enjoy some, but don't leave the bottle out for him to access. Pour him half a glass and see what happens. I'd be more worried about him losing his balance if the alcohol makes him tipsy or sleepy. I have seen the NH where my MIL give single-serving containers of wine cooler to their residents.

I have never heard that this could be a problem. I would be shocked if it was. I would caution you always to pass things past a person's doctor if it is even a question in your mind, but I suspect this will be approved. I doubt this would increase hallucination.
The hallucinations are the main reason for concern here. Does your Dad have a type of dementia in which hallucinations are common? That is something you should make an appointment about. If a sudden onset you will want to have him checked for a UTI. And in any case this is reportable to his doc, in which case you can ask also about the glass of wine as an aside during appointment.