Is your elderly loved one having difficulty swallowing? - Alzheimer's and Swallowing Problems

When you look at your elderly mother, father, grandmother, or aunt, have you ever noticed that they don't eat as much as they used to? They keep food in their mouths, say they've eaten a little, or they say they can't eat certain foods at all. In fact, as we age, our mouths dry out, our sense of taste and smell decreases, and our teeth develop problems. This is why it's normal to have difficulty eating and drinking. However, sometimes this can be a part of Alzheimer's disease . In fact, about half of Alzheimer's patients in nursing homes have difficulty chewing or swallowing food. As a result, they are more likely to lose weight over time, lose water in their bodies, and become dehydrated.

Warning signs that require urgent attention

If something like this happens to your loved one, don't ignore it as something normal. These symptoms can be very dangerous. Therefore, if you see these things, it is essential to take them to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately .

Also watch out for these symptoms: Tell your doctor!

There are some symptoms that, while not urgent enough to warrant a run to the ETU, should definitely be discussed with your family doctor.Things. If these continue, serious problems can arise.

Also watch out for dehydration!

A woman over the age of 70 needs about 2.7 liters of fluid per day (including fluids from food), and a man needs about 3.7 liters. If you have a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or are sweating heavily, you need more fluid. Signs of dehydration include:

• Dry mouth, nose, or eyes.
• A very small amount of urine, or not urinating for 8 hours or more.
• Dry tongue, possibly with a cracked or striped appearance.
• Sunken eyes.
• Heart rate increases above 100 beats per minute.
• Unusually less attentive or absent-minded.
• Severe weakness.
• Dark yellow urine.
• Difficulty speaking.

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How can you help people eat safely?

There are several reasons why you may have difficulty chewing and swallowing. It could be because you don't like the food you're eating, it's painful, or you're eating too slowly. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, it's common to forget to swallow. This means that you keep food in your mouth but don't swallow it. Another reason is that the brain has trouble controlling the muscles that help you swallow. This can cause food to go into your lungs, causing coughing and choking.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so it's important to see your doctor. However, there are a few things you can do to help them eat safely and easily.

Things to do before and during meals

• Feed them when they are most alert and rested . It is best to let them rest for 30 minutes before eating.
• Serve food by sitting the person up as straight as possible. If the person is in bed, prop them up with pillows.
• Give them plenty of time to eat. Remind them to eat slowly, take small bites, and drink in small sips.
• Keep mealtimes as quiet as possible. Things like the TV and noise can distract them and make them more likely to choke on their food.
• Instead of large meals, offer several small meals a day.
• After eating a mouthful of food, give a sip of water.
• Stay close while eating. Remind yourself to swallow, and check to see if you've finished what's in your mouth before taking another bite.

Let's change the way we prepare food and drinks.

• Add thickeners to liquids, such as water and fruit juice. Sometimes it's easier to swallow thick liquids, such as a milkshake. Ask your doctor about this.
• Give soft foods by finely chopping meat and vegetables, mixing them with sauces. For example, things like strained soups, puddings, and yogurt.
• Offer moist, chopped meat, bread, boiled or canned fruits and vegetables, and thickened porridges.
• Cut the food into small pieces.
• Avoid giving sticky foods like peanut butter, and foods that are very hot or very cold.
• Use a sippy cup like the ones given to small children.

Other important tips

• Help them clean their teeth.Toothache, improperly fitted dentures, and difficulty chewing can lead to food getting stuck. Therefore, always see a dentist.
• Avoid giving medications that cause drowsiness or dry mouth. Talk to your doctor about this.
• Talk to your doctor about seeing a speech therapist . He/she will be able to give you good advice, including exercises to strengthen the muscles that help with swallowing.

Most importantly: Never put your fingers in their mouth when feeding, brushing their teeth, or if they get stuck. If they are fussy while eating, use plastic or blunt utensils.