As dementia progresses, eating and drinking can become difficult for some people. People may have poor appetites for several reasons, or have changes in their normal eating habits and food preferences.
People with dementia also frequently experience difficulties with eating and drinking that affect swallowing. However people often don’t realise the potential health risks associated with difficulties in swallowing.
Dysphagia is the medical term used to describe difficulties in eating, drinking and swallowing food.
Dysphagia occurs when there is a problem with the control or structures involved in the swallowing process. A weak tongue or cheek muscles may make it hard to move food around the mouth for chewing and swallowing.
What are the problems caused by dysphagia?
Often one of the main signs of coughing on food and drinks is just accepted as part of the illness. However, if left untreated, difficulties with swallowing can lead to more serious illness like chest infections and pneumonia. These can be caused by inhaling food and drinks into the lungs. It can also result in dehydration, malnutrition and choking.
Signs which could indicate problems
- Poor lip closure and, or drooling saliva.
- Taking a long time to chew food.
- Pouching food in the cheeks.
- Slurred speech.
- Facial weakness.
- Taking too big a bite of food.
- A weakened voice.
- A weak cough.
- Coughing when eating and drinking.
- Regular chest infections.
- Refusing food.
Some medications often prescribed for people with dementia can also affect the ability to eat, drink and swallow.
Dysphagia can be managed safely to ensure these risks are minimised.
What help is available?
Speech and language therapists are trained to assess and treat someone’s ability to swallow. They will advise on the most appropriate food and drink consistency, look at the best posture and use of other strategies to assist the swallow process.
If the person you are caring for is experiencing any difficulties, please ask your GP or community mental health team worker to refer you to a speech and language therapist for the necessary advice and support.
Contact speech and language therapy
Page last reviewed: October 17, 2024
Next review due: October 17, 2025
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