[Dysphagia] Dementia Patient Feeding

[pressmah at sjhmc.org (pressmah@sjhmc.org)]

This type and level of difficulty is consistent with end stage dysphagia.
In addition to the things that you are trying I would suggest, with straw
drinking, that the feeder remove the straw from the person's mouth after
they sip.  I have found that patients often cannot coordinate sucking and
swallowing and will only swallow once the straw is withdrawn.  Hilda
Pressman

-----Original Message-----
From: maddoglynz@aol.com [mailto:maddoglynz@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2005 9:46 AM
To: dysphagia@b9.com
Subject: [Dysphagia] Dementia Patient Feeding


Any advice on how to feed a low-functioning dementia patient who is holding
food and liquid in her mouth for a very long time, to the point of choking?
I don't believe the holding is intentional.  I believe she is having
difficulty triggering the swallow.  We have tried alternating hot food items
with ice cream and other cold food items in an attempt to increase
sensation.  The holding is intermittent, in other words, she does fairly
well with some meals and with other meals she holds almost constantly.  The
patient is nonverbal and cannot follow directions.  Thanks for any advice.  
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