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I realize all kinds of behavior quirks develop in those with dementia, but I was just curious if anyone else has experienced this one. My mom often holds liquid in her mouth (whatever she is drinking) for an extended period of time. She will start to get up (needs assistance) to go to the bathroom or something, and I will notice and ask her to swallow it before getting up, as a safety concern. (I don't act alarmed or anything.)

She usually seems surprised that I knew she had it in there (like it was supposed to be a secret she was keeping or something), and then after she swallows it, she says she doesn't know why she does that.

While it could be potentially somewhat dangerous under certain circumstances, it seems relatively harmless. And it's probably not even the oddest of her odd behaviors. I guess I'm not necessarily expecting any advice or help here. This is just an odd quirk, and I was merely curious if anyone else has experienced it.

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This isn't a quirk. She is experiencing swallowing dysfunction, dysphagia. This can easily lead to aspiration, that is, having it go down the wrong way, into her lungs. This can also occur with did and I have met someone whose wife died after she aspirated a piece if licorice. She should probably have a clinical swallowing test with a speech therapist soon.
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Mom did that sometimes with her pills. Actually, I chalked it up to her actually forgetting to swallow and needing to be reminded.
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Thanks, vegaslady - appreciate that info. Will check it out with her doctor.
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