Expert: Paula Damgaard - 2/14/2010

Question
Is the use of thickening agents to aid swallowing considered a good thing to do or is it prolonging the inevitable?  My mom has had Alzheimer's for 7 years, she has been totally bedridden, does not talk and hand fed puree foods for these years - She is 93 years old.  She does have a living will and deeply expressed her feelings on not being kept alive - she lost all five of her sisters with the disease.  Can we ask that she not be given thickening agents in her liquids, we feel this is prolonging her life.

Answer
Joy, first question to you: do you have Hospice involved in your mom's care?  If not call them right away.  They will be able to tell you what is allowed in the area your mom lives.  There are different laws for everyone, unfortunately.  

They will also make it so much easier for all of you to get through this difficult time.  Seems like you all know what you want you just need them to intervene for you.  

I hope this helps you.  Let me know how it goes. Paula