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 ,
At some point it becomes problematic and there can be aspiration, and pneumonia. This is a discussion now to have with the medical team.
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.
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.