Alzheimer's Disease Support Group

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration with declining activities of daily living and neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes. An early symptom is memory loss (amnesia), usually manifesting as minor forgetfulness that becomes pronounced with illness progression, with relative...

378 Members

2,774 Posts

0 Online

Smileydi45 09/14/2010

My husband is in a nursing home with very advanced Alzheimer's. His diet is soft, just tinned tomatoes, mushed up and mashed potato. I have to feed him. I gave him his cup of tea the other night when I visited and recognised thickener agent in it (I trained as a carer in a nursing home, dementia unit). I asked a carer why he had the thickener and she said he's having some difficulty swallowing. Sometimes he slightly chokes and I have heard him cough a lot. Is this the beginning of the end? Please help!

deleted_user 09/14/2010

My mother coughs a lot! I wish I knew the answer to that.I believe that will be her next stage. I can't get help for her because she still can talk walk and eat and scream. How did you get your loved one in a nursing home? they will not take my mom she is not eligible says kaiser?
I will wait for your response.
tx
pina

deleted_user 09/14/2010

Usually the facility will order tests to determine the degree of swallowing issues. That's what happened with my dad. My father had several strokes along with the complications of the Alzheimer's. I was told it was part of the last stage of Alzheimer's. He was given thickener in all his liquid. He frequently choked. Near the end when Hospice was called in he would no longer eat. Late stage involves inability to control movement which includes eating. If you are having to feed him, he is probably in last stage of Alzheimer's.

It would be easier for you to ask the nursing home doctor. Sorry this is very difficult but at least he has you helping. Have you involved Hospice yet? They were wonderful with helping my family when my dad was at this stage. My thoughts are with you.

inmemoryofhattie 09/14/2010

Dear Friend,

So sorry there is another sad distressing thing to deal with. I agree your husband is fortunate to have you.

Maybe the Mayo Clinic book on Alzheimer's that has been mentioned on this site would help you.

My husband has begun to cough at night and I don't know what it is but i figure it can't be anything good.

Hugs to you

Join the Conversation