Expert: Paula Damgaard - 2/25/2009

Question
My mother has Alzheimer.  The Family look after her at home.  She has it over 8 years.  She has suddenly been unable to take solids without them going into her lungs.  Is this part of the disease?

Answer
Dear Martina, yes this is part of the disease. Your brain controls every function in your body.  As the disease marchs through the brain it destoys people's ability to do everything.  They go from being an "adult" to an "infant".  As you probably know infants can only swallow liquids and you must hold their head up so they don't choke.  Same with dementia patients.  

This is also a sign that the disease is coming to an end.  What a blessing that will be for your mom.  

Please let me know if you have any other questions.  Take care Paula