Oral motor changes in dementia are common and can significantly affect a person’s ability to eat, speak, and maintain oral hygiene. These changes happen because dementia often weakens the muscles involved in chewing, swallowing, and controlling saliva. Addressing these challenges requires patience, understanding, and practical strategies tailored to the individual’s needs.
One of the first steps is recognizing signs of difficulty such as coughing or choking during meals, drooling, or food residue left in the mouth after eating. These symptoms may indicate problems with swallowing (dysphagia), which is frequent in dementia due to weakened pharyngeal muscles and delayed swallowing reflexes. Caregivers should observe mealtime closely for any signs of distress or aspiration risk.
To support oral motor function:
– **Modify food textures**: Offering softer foods that are easier to chew and swallow can reduce choking risks. Pureed or minced diets might be necessary as dementia progresses.
– **Encourage small bites**: Helping the person take smaller portions at a time allows better control over chewing and swallowing.
– **Maintain good oral hygiene**: Regular brushing helps prevent infections that could worsen oral discomfort or inflammation. Using adaptive toothbrushes can make this easier for those with limited hand coordination.
– **Provide assistance with feeding when needed**: Some individuals may require help cutting food into manageable pieces or guidance during meals without rushing them.
Speech-language therapists play an important role by assessing swallowing function through specialized tests and recommending exercises to strengthen oral muscles if appropriate. They also advise on safe feeding techniques tailored to each stage of dementia progression.
Creating a calm environment during meals reduces distractions that might interfere with concentration on eating tasks. Sitting upright while eating helps gravity assist safe swallowing.
In some cases where severe dysphagia develops, medical professionals might suggest alternative nutrition methods temporarily while working on improving muscle strength.
Overall care involves collaboration between healthcare providers, caregivers, and family members focused on maintaining dignity around mealtimes while ensuring safety through thoughtful adjustments addressing changing oral motor abilities in dementia patients.
