[Dysphagia] Dementia Patient Feeding

[maddoglynz at aol.com (maddoglynz@aol.com)]

Any advice on how to feed a low-functioning dementia patient who is holding food and liquid in her mouth for a very long time, to the point of choking?  I don't believe the holding is intentional.  I believe she is having difficulty triggering the swallow.  We have tried alternating hot food items with ice cream and other cold food items in an attempt to increase sensation.  The holding is intermittent, in other words, she does fairly well with some meals and with other meals she holds almost constantly.  The patient is nonverbal and cannot follow directions.  Thanks for any advice.