Spits his food out

tonyac2 · March 24

I don’t know if this is a phase or just a progression of the disease. My DH is losing roughly 4 lbs. per week, and I’m sure it’s due to spitting food out. He will take a few bites, swallow, then the rest of the bites he spits out. What can I do about this? Nothing? I’m curious if others are dealing with this same issue. I’m leaning towards in home hospice care for help in managing the decline. Thanks.

BethL · March 24

My mom lost about 70 lbs over the last few months of her life. It's part of the declining process.

White Crane · March 24

Have you talked to his doctor about this? Is he having trouble swallowing? Is his mouth sore or maybe a sore tooth? My DH is in MC and he wasn't eating much. It turned out his partial plate had a wire that was poking his gums. He was also having trouble swallowing. He is now on foods that are easier to eat and we are having his partial plate fixed.

jgreen · March 25

Hi, @tonyac2

I believe ‘failure to thrive’ is a qualifying characteristic for in-home hospice. You can self refer. If DH approved, they should have a lot to offer you. And I’ve also learned that dementia is a disease that Hospice will take on as long as you and DH need them. He does not need a prognosis of dying in a short amount of time.

Let us know how it goes. Hugs and prayers for you and DH. 💝

Dusty217 · March 25

My grandmother lost weight toward the end. I could only get her to eat finger foods as she paced and would not sit to eat. Tiny bites as often as I could get her to take them.

tonyac2 · March 25

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/268702#Comment_268702

That’s a good point, maybe something wrong inside his mouth, or a sore tooth.

SDianeL · March 25

ask for a speech therapist to do a swallow test. Pocketing food in their cheek and spitting food out can be due to swallowing issues. It is caused by progression. I agree that a hospice evaluation would help in many ways.

Chris20cm · March 25

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/75633/spits-his-food-out

DW went through a phase that lasted from the diagnosis eight years ago, for 5-6 years where she would think she was choking and would verbally ask for the Heimlich. A sure sign she wasn't choking. She took Pantoptazole during that period, which helped the partial blockage, if that's what it was, or more accurately, the pseudo-choking. That Rx was discontinued but now when she eats she does what you describe, she chews food and then spits it out into her napkin and holds it in her hand, adding to the fistful as the meal goes on. I keep the dogs crated when we eat, otherwise she feeds her chewed food to them and they tease throughout these stressful mealtimes as she has trained them to do.
Pretty unappetizing process, our meal routine.

Spits his food out

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