Follow
Share

Mom wouldn't answer when I spoke to her, the aid noticed she had forgotten to swallow and was pocketing her food. The aid says she's been noticing this the past week or two. Got me thinking she's edging closer to that stage 7 Alzehimer's stage. I googled the symptom and its apparently a late stage 6 symptom ,

I urge you NOT to consider a surgical feeding tube. Stick to the suggestions of pureed and thickened liquids. Forgetting to swallow is part of the end game of Alzheimers which is eventually terminal. A hospice evaluation will give you more information about her decline and guidance for keeping her as comfortable as possible. Could it also be possible that she is deciding not to eat? If this seems to be a choice, I would let her decide she is ready.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to ShirleyDot
Report

In the late stages of dementia this difficulty with swallowing is common, and often indicates end stages.
At some point it becomes problematic and there can be aspiration, and pneumonia. This is a discussion now to have with the medical team.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

Sounds like it's time to have all moms foods pureed, and her drinks thickened to prevent best you can aspiration pneumonia.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to funkygrandma59
Report

It is time to ask the doctor for a speach and swallow evaluation. Not making changes to accomodate swallow defect will lead to chronic aspiration. And as other suggest, ask for a hospice consult.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to MACinCT
Report

If mom isn't already under hospice care, now is the time to ask her doctor to order an evaluation. Pocketing food can lead to aspiration pneumonia and sometimes death.

I'm sorry you're witnessing a new level of decline with mom, it's such a difficult and stressful thing to witness, I know. Sending you a hug and a prayer for strength.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to lealonnie1
Report
firsttimer1 Dec 29, 2025
I'm fairly sure no doctor will approve hospice unless they believe the patient has less than six months to live.
(0)
Report
See 1 more reply
I'm sorry you are seeing a decline in your Mom's behavior.
If she is having difficulty swallowing, or simply forgot how, a speech therapist can provide guidance for giving her nutrition safely.

You could try thickened protein shakes, with a straw, if she is able to manage that. If she doesn't recognize how to drink with a straw, you could show her by having your own drink, and let her mimic your actions.

She may need to be taken off food or drinks entirely. She could be fed through a G-tube, or intravenously. As people get closer to death, they will stop needing food or liquid as their body begins to shut down.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to CaringWifeAZ
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter