While much of what the doctor wrote is valid, I disagree with the treatment mentioned about "suction and a soft tube". People with dysphagia, a swallowing disorder which can range from drooling to weak chewing, inability to chew, inability to trigger a swallow response, or to an unsafe swallow, may have several options in treatment depending on what the actual symptoms are. "Faithinme" (above) mentioned "pureed" foods (blended), which is one option. A licensed and trained swallowing therapist (typically a speech pathologist) can make the determination on appropriate options and initiate the steps which can make chewing and swallowing much more functional and safe. To have a swallowing therapist evaluate your family member, ask your doctor to write an order and make a referral to the speech pathologist at your hospital/nursing home/assisted living center/home care agency.
There may come a time when eating and drinking by mouth is no longer safe. This does not happen often, but is possible. Your doctor and a qualified and licensed swallowing therapist can make that determination.
In addition to the above, it should be noted that the taste of "sweet" is one of the last to leave us, so many people find food much more palatable if it is sprinkled with sugar or a sweetener. One might find it easier to get the person with dementia to drink or to eat vegetables or potatoes or meats if they are a little more highly seasoned or if sprinkled with a sweetener. It is probable that this is the reason that the husband of "Faithinme" (above) continues to eat pureed fruit, honey, chocolate, smoothies, etc. Again, this is just one of many options; ask a qualified and licensed swallowing therapist for help.
My husband can not chew his food, so I bland it for him . He also gets a booster drink and blanded fruit . He is happy and so far likes his food. There are days, that i have to help him to eat it. But not to many. And he is still on coconat oil and honey and chocolate. He loves it and gets it twice a day. Plus apple and a banana smoothie loaded with vitamins. he has lucid moments and than he is in another world. But my daughter and I are trying . I also get help with my daughter helping me so that i do not land in a poor house. Thank-you lovely people for your prayers . Love, Toni
2 Comments
First Oldest
First
Why Do Alzheimer's Patients Forget How to Eat or Swallow?
There may come a time when eating and drinking by mouth is no longer safe. This does not happen often, but is possible. Your doctor and a qualified and licensed swallowing therapist can make that determination.
In addition to the above, it should be noted that the taste of "sweet" is one of the last to leave us, so many people find food much more palatable if it is sprinkled with sugar or a sweetener. One might find it easier to get the person with dementia to drink or to eat vegetables or potatoes or meats if they are a little more highly seasoned or if sprinkled with a sweetener. It is probable that this is the reason that the husband of "Faithinme" (above) continues to eat pureed fruit, honey, chocolate, smoothies, etc. Again, this is just one of many options; ask a qualified and licensed swallowing therapist for help.
I also get help with my daughter helping me so that i do not land in a poor house. Thank-you lovely people for your prayers . Love, Toni