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 .
| If you have these symptoms, go to the hospital (ETU) immediately! | |
|---|---|
| 1. If you pass out | 2. If you are not breathing normally |
| 3. If you have severe difficulty breathing or wheezing | 4. If the fever is higher than 101 Fahrenheit (101 F) |
| 5. If you feel like you are getting a cold with shivers | 6. If you make a strange sound while eating or breathing after eating (like a snoring sound) |
| 7. If the body's basic vital signs (pulse, temperature, or blood pressure) are abnormal, especially if the breathing rate is very fast. | |
Also watch out for these symptoms: Tell your doctor!
There are some symptoms that, while not urgent enough to warrant a trip to the ER, are definitely something you should discuss with your family doctor . If these persist, they could lead to serious problems.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Difficulty eating |
|
| Saying "stuck" | "Food gets stuck" or "goes the wrong way." If food or drink doesn't go into the stomach but into the lungs, it can cause a serious condition called aspiration pneumonia . |
| Other features |
|
| Dehydration | If you don't drink enough fluids (water) the body needs, the symptoms of dehydration are as follows. |
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.
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 grinding meat and vegetables well, 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, loose dentures, and difficulty chewing can make it difficult to chew and cause food to get stuck. So, see a dentist regularly.
- 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.
Take-Home Message
- Difficulty swallowing is a common and potentially serious condition in adults with Alzheimer's disease.
- Be aware of warning signs such as loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, etc. In such a case, immediately refer to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
- Always talk to your family doctor about other concerns.
- Provide enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Simple changes in the way food is served, the mealtime environment, and the way food is prepared can make a big difference.
- Caring for your loved one is a challenge, but with the right knowledge and care, you can help them stay safe and comfortable.
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