My husband keeps putting food in his mouth when he hasn't finished chewing what is already in it. He chews and chews it all, then spits it out in one big mound. Then he adds other things on his plate to the mound, pressing it all together. I do cut his meats and problem veggies into small pieces, but this doesn't seem to make any difference in this behavior.
I would then tell him to take a sip of whatever he was drinking.
It is possible that you might have to cut the food up smaller or begin to process it so it is between small dice and puree. Or just begin to puree the food.
This is one of the declines with dementia. He is "forgetting" how to eat and the steps that need to be taken to consume food.
The pocketing you describe is one aspect of dysphagia.
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/swallowing/swallowing-disorders-in-adults/
Soft foods are best to serve; applesauce, cottage cheese, yoghurt, scrambled eggs. Your DH may also enjoy milkshakes prepared with extra protein powder, and fortified with a banana or other fruits pureed in the blender. Offer him small snack type meals more frequently rather than full sized meals 3x a day.
Alz.org is another good website which has a question forum like we do here at AgingCare. They also have an 800 number to call to speak to a live person about specific questions you have pertaining to AD or dementia.
Best of luck!
In your husband's case maybe see if eating softer foods helps?
The safest strategy is to ask for a swallowing evaluation from his medical doctor. Specialized speech therapists can figure out quite a bit of what is and is not working reliably. Even if he is not fully cooperative for the whole exam, it is important to get this information. Then the correct strategies for what to give him and how to cue and supervise his eating and drinking will be clearly explained to you, and in writing.
To avoid choking (feels so scary) and aspiration of food particles into the lungs (causes pneumonia), it is very important to give the right stuff in the right way.
All of the suggestions here are possible answers - but not for all patents or at all stages of the disease.
Memory Care is probably the answer, but it's a big decision that you need to make, based on your coping skills and financial status.
Until then, you both may benefit from meeting with Geriatric Psychiatrist.
See All Answers