Expert: Michalene Peticca - 9/27/2010

Question
My dad is in the last stage of alzheimers he is having alot of mucus which
is not allowing him to drink or eat. How can we help get rid of this
mucus. Now I given him a little water so he coughs and spits this we do
for at least 15min then he is good with s little fluid, is there anything that
will help him get rid of the mucus??

Answer
Hi Karen,

Thank you for writing. I am so sorry your father is experiencing such challenges in the Alzheimer last stage.

It is not uncommon for Dementia folks to experience this type of nutritional systemic "shut down".  However, much of this mucus is generally caused by an aspiration; that is, fluids that are not going down to his stomach, but actually accumulating in his lungs and then returning as mucus.  

If your father is in a long term care facility, you would want to ask nursing staff to obtain an order for Speech therapy to consult and see if his liquids need thickened.

If you are taking care of your father at home, you will want to consult his doctor to see if there is anything else to provide him (ex. Mucinex) to slow the mucus production.

You may find "Thicket" or a fluid thickener at your local pharmacy to add to his fluids.  You may have to spoon his liquids to him once you have made the fluid thicker; however, you should notice a decrease in cough and mucus.

Please monitor and keep his physician aware of this.

Best Regards,

Michalene Peticca, MA