How to clear nose of an adult with Alzheimer's?

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Bacodt Asked May 2019

How to clear nose of an adult with Alzheimer's?

Hi
My husband has Alzheimer’s and doesn’t seem to know how to blow his nose any more. He has a lot of discharge with a cold somewhat thick. How do you clear that in an adult? Thanks!

Alzheimer's & Dementia Cognitive Decline Senior Health

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score 8 · Answer 1

I would use the little plunger suction things you use on babies.

Helpful Answer (8)

I love a good technical term! :)

(8)

score 8 · Answer 2

My daughter-in-law uses the Fridababy Nasal Aspirator on my granddaughter and she said it really works. It looks disgusting to use. I don't know all the details but you insert a small tube and suck it out. It doesn't come anywhere near your mouth and it doesn't hurt the person. Worth a try.

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Thank you! That does look disgusting but may work better on the suction end. Not sure I’ll keep him still. Thanks for your reply I will look for one.

(2)

score 7 · Answer 3

Rainman has never gotten the hang of blowing his nose.

So every morning, immediately after I shower him - even before I dry him off - while to nose goo is still a bit thinner and runny, I “ghost” his nose.

This is taking about three three squares of toilet paper, folding it in half and then twisting a head on it. It resembles the tp ghosts children make in art class... then gently up one nostril and twist in a circle a couple time before pulling out. I always have a bit of spare tissue in the other hand in case it gets stringy and sloppy. Repeat in other nostril.

Its not perfect but the best technique I’ve found to date.

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You are amazing with all you have on your plate in life,great advice and so frequently amaze me with your way with words. I frequently find myself laughing after reading a post of yours.

(3)

score 6 · Answer 4

If you put a kleenex to your nose and blow he might imitate you. Worth a try...

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score 5 · Answer 5

I use the squeeze bulb that you use for babies. Christy is combative, so I cut the nozzle down to a nub.

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Thank you. I did buy a nasal aspirator. It works ok but isn’t quite strong enough for the thick mucus. They are way better than they were 30 years ago with the end piece short. Thanks for the reply!

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score 3 · Answer 6

They sell a "suction" thingie for babies - I don't see why it wouldn't work for an adult.

Or you do like with a small child - hold the tissue and tell them to blow out the nose.

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score 3 · Answer 7

Use a bulb “snot sucker” just like you do with a baby!

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Little plunger suction thingy for babies, snot sucker! I learned something new today. Yahoo.

(2)

score 2 · Answer 8

You may want to try reverse psychology. Since their brains are not working anymore, try holding a Kleenex to his nose and tell him to sniff. It’s possible he will blow his nose!

Helpful Answer (2)

Have tried that yet. Thank you!

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score 2 · Answer 9

I am going to go out on a limb here, have you tried a nettie pot? It flushes the sinuses but you do have to be sitting up and a little forward for it to not go in the ear canal.

I also remember seeing something when traveling that was a similar concept to the nettie pot but covered both nostrils and was electric, I think.

I hope you find something, what an awful situation to not have a fix.

Helpful Answer (2)

Thanks. Haven’t tried a Nettie pot. I doubt he would be able to cooperate. The electric one may work if he doesn’t have to do anything special. Thanks for the reply!

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