Expert: Paula Damgaard - 9/20/2009

Question
My 91 year old father has dementia. I believe he is in stage 6 or 7. One of the problems I have now is his very liquid stools with a lot of gas. I do not feed him foods that may cause gas. I thought perhaps he has a blockage in his intestines. I had given him several fleets ememas and milk of magnesia. In the 4 years he has lived with me I don't think I have ever seen a formed stool. Somedays dad says I's his cousin or his sister. I have to grind up his food in a blender and feed it to him as he only has 6 teeth. If I let him feed himself it would take 3 hours or he would fall asleep even after he just woke up. There are some days that I think I can no longer do this but I have a loving husband who helps me out. It is quite a strain on both of us. I was wondering if this loose stool problem is common in 91 year olds.

Answer
Sally, it is not common.  Has he been checked by his doctor?  It could be anything from a virus to a blockage higher up that fleets wouldn't reach.  Have you tried giving him something to try to stop it like immodium?  How about giving him some fiber in his meals?  you could add it to his food.  

that is an awful way to live for both of you.  I hope you get it stopped soon! I hope this helps. Paula