AboutMichalene Peticca Expertise I'd be happy to help with any questions about Alzheimer's or Dementia diseases. I can also help with Medicare, Long term care & other insurance questions.
Experience I have my Masters degree in Geriatrics and am credentialed through the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Pennstate Milton Hershey hospital and the American Geriatrics Society. I've been in healthcare for over 20 years and worked directly with Alzheimer's and Dementia individuals for most of that time. I am also a licensed insurance agent in PA and MD. Currently i train healthcare professionals to care for Alzheimer and Dementia individuals and i have been a care manager for guardianship services in PA
Organizations American Geriatrics Society
Education/Credentials Masters degree in Geriatrics
Licensed insurance agent in PA & MD.
Past/Present clients PHI Homes in Pennsylvania
York, Dauphin & Adams County Area on Aging
The Jewish Home of Harrisburg
Question My father is in the late stage. He has lost 20 pounds during the last 6 months and doesn't chew any more. His food is liquid and is thickened as much as possible. He quit talking about 4 years ago, and is incontinent. Once they lose the ability to chew, is the ability to swallow soon to follow? Thank you so much.
Answer Hi Jean,
I am so sorry about your father. I know this has been a long disease process for you and him.
You ask an excellent question and one that is very difficult to write about, as you are experiencing the ravages of the disease process with your father.
Generally, the answer is yes. Our brain is like a control panel for our bodies. When those connecting wires in the brain no longer are able to send a message to muscles in our bodies...the muscles do not "work" on their own. Therefore, many times a Dementia individual will lose the ability to swallow and start to "aspirate" on foods. At this point, you as a family member, are asked to make a decision about a feeding tube.
This is a big and ethical decision. As i've said before, it is only one that your family can decide is best. However, most people are now planning in advance and have their wishes conveyed about feeding tubes and other artifical nutrition devices. So, i always remind families to make the decision based on what they know or believe their loved one would have wanted and what their own religious foundations would be supporting.
