My husband has Alzheimer's, and chokes on his food. He was diagnosed around 5 years ago. I would like to know how soon, approximately, will it be before he will lose the ability to be able to drive to destinations. I thought you would be able to judge the time limit better knowing his choking problem. He was a truck driver before retirement. Also his degree of confidence is very, very high. But I do not know if he even realizes he has a problem. His sense of confidence and control are so high and he will not discuss this. Please advise. I am distraught. Thank you
Sometimes just plain water can be aspirated; sometimes thickening water and other liquids can allow a person to swallow more safely.
Do some research on dysphagia; there are 4 levels of diagnosis, each with recommended foods and liquids. Avoiding those foods which cause aspiration and/or choking can help your husband swallow more easily. But the determination what he can and cannot eat is done by a speech therapist or speech pathologist.
Therapy can include Shaker exercises, which are challenging, or making various guttural sounds, which are easier. In some cases and under the direction of a speech therapist, "stims" can be used to prod certain muscles in the mouth/throat area, to strengthen them so swallowing can be done more safely.
However, there may still continue to be some dysphagia, so please don't be disappointed if a speech pathologist advises that he'll have to be cautious when eating and drinking from here on in.
As to driving, no one can really predict when he'll lose the ability to drive. It's best to start planning for that now and finding alternate transportation.