More about spitting…

It’s been a long time since I’ve checked in. My husband is still going strong physically and he’s on eighteen years since learning he had a diagnosis of MCI. Probably twenty five years if counting behavioral changes proceeding memory loss. He’s considered to be in advanced stages of loss of cognition, but I’m not convinced. Except it seems he’s forgetting he can swallow once he’s full or if he has a crumb or excess saliva in his mouth as he’s increasingly clearing his throat and spitting. The “achem” action of trying to bring it up irritates and inflames his throat, so it’s a cyclical problem. I sit with him and coach him to sip cool water, and thought that helped, but last night it just made him vomit. When I ask why he doesn’t swallow he says he doesn’t want to choke. But he can swallow fine when he is automatically holding a burger or something and is hungry. It’s as if he just forgets to swallow other times. I don’t know how to help him. I’m afraid aspirating is what will take him eventually. Infrequent spitting begun about 18 months ago and is now a regular thing after he eats.

This is my only real concern because long gone are delusions, paranoia, and confusing other residents are me as he can no longer think. He doesn’t know my name or relation, but he stands, smiles, laughs, and hugs! He always says he’s fine when I ask. Thank God for this!

Wishing all of you wonderful carers something in which to by thankful for on your journeys of this difficult path we share. ❤️🙏