[Dysphagia] dementia and dysphagia

[bklslp at earthlink.net (Brenda Logsdon)]

One more thought.
Just last week, I evaluated a woman with late stage dementia, new to our SNF / memory care unit because her husband could not get her to eat at home and she was getting weaker.  She really showed no signs of chewing or swallowing difficulty, but just was very confused and would not eat much.  I counseled him about encouraging fluids, foods that she enjoyed, and good oral hygiene for quality of life.  

She ended up in the hosp.  2 days later for critical labs.  They found a large cancerous lesion in her lower stomach nearly obstructing her gastric outlet.  No wonder she would not eat!  Lesson:  When the person stops eating, there is usually a reason.  In her case, it was nice to know so that we do not get over-zealous about trying to get her to eat (which we do), and can just let her be.  Sometimes you don't get to find out, but the point is that you need to listen to the patient, even when they can't talk.

Brenda


Brenda Logsdon CCC/SLP
http://home.earthlink.net/~bklslp/index.html
CE Instructor for Dynamic Online
www.dynamic-online.com
"First seek to understand, then to be understood"
bklslp@earthlink.net