DYSPHAGIA

Trouble swallowing People with Dementia often have trouble with eating, drinking, and swallowing. This normally occurs as the brain changes and basically, they forget how to do these things. The risks that come with this problem are choking when your food goes down the wrong hole as I’m sure we have all experienced this at some stage in our lives we can appreciate how distressing and frightening this is. It can also result in poor nutrition and a reduced quality of life. The signs that someone may be suffering with Dysphagia Coughing when eating Wet gurgly voice during and or after eating Difficulty chewing Moving food to the back of mouth. Suffering with chestiness or persistent chest infections. Eating and drinking problems with Dementia Forgetting to put food in the mouth Chewing constantly but not swallowing Leaving most of there food They believe the food is poisoned Spitting out food Difficulty swallowing tablets Saying the food is inedible Food is not paid for Overfilling mouth with too much food then choking Having a companion eat with the person is often quite helpful Create a happy relaxed atmosphere Use contrasting colors so they can see food a person with dementia can often not see water in a glass so use a colorful tumbler Don’t over fill plate as this can be distressing little and often is the key Cut up grape’s strawberries any finger foods of their liking and leave in reaching distance. However, bear in mind that a person’s taste will change as the journey of dementia progresses and you will probably find that even if they didn’t like cake, they will now want it the last thing you will be able to taste in dementia is sweet. So, let’s eat cake. You can find more information on the NHS website

Marina Barker