Dysphagia commonly occurs in individuals with dementia due to the gradual decline in cognitive function and muscle control. As the disease progresses, swallowing becomes more challenging, increasing the risk of choking or inhaling food or liquid into the lungs. This can put those living with dementia at-risk of developing aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition.
Benefits of Using Liquid Thickeners
To encourage people living with dementia to eat and stay hydrated, it is important to make mealtimes as pleasurable, satisfying, and safe as possible. Choking on food or drink can be very unpleasant and even traumatizing for someone with dementia and may discourage them from eating or drinking.
Liquid thickeners enhance the overall safety and confidence of individuals with dementia, as well as their caregivers, during mealtime. By reducing the risk of choking, liquid thickeners provide peace of mind and alleviate anxiety.
Types of Liquid Thickeners
Liquid thickeners come in different forms and consistencies, allowing customization based on individual needs and preferences. The most common types include starch-based thickeners, such as cornstarch and modified food starch, and gum-based thickeners, such as xanthan gum and guar gum. These thickeners can be easily added to beverages like water, juice, or tea, adapting their consistency to meet specific requirements.
Pectin is a naturally occurring thickening agent found in fruits. It is commonly used in the production of fruit spreads, jams, and jellies due to its gel-forming properties and ability to create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Examples of commercially-prepared thickeners are Thicken Up, Thick It, and Purathick.
Safety Reminders on the Use of Liquid Thickeners
It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional such as the person’s family physician and/or a nutritionist-dietitian, to determine the appropriate level of thickness required, considering factors such as the severity of dysphagia and individual swallowing abilities.
A regular assessment of swallowing abilities and consultation with healthcare professionals is crucial to adjust the thickness levels accordingly.
Last but not least, maintaining good oral hygiene and providing adequate mouth care after meals is essential to prevent any adverse effects of thickened liquids, such as increased bacterial growth or dry mouth.
Liquid Thickeners in Ice Cream
Yes! Liquid Thickeners can be added to ice cream so individuals with dysphagia can enjoy ice cream in the summer.
Make sure to allow the ice cream to melt first inside the refrigerator (not at room temperature as this could allow the growth of bacteria and cause food poisoning). This may take a couple of hours. Once melted, you can add the thickener to the melted ice cream according to the consistency required and approved for the person. Mix thoroughly and re-freeze! You can prepare a batch of this thickened ice cream for later use.
Liquid Thickeners for Ice Pops and Snow Cones
Again, following the prescribed amount of liquid thickener (instructions are written on the label of commercially-prepared thickeners), add liquid thickener to water, mix thoroughly, and place in ice trays. You can use this “thickened ice” to make shaved ice for snow cones!
Similarly, using the same principle, you can add liquid thickeners to flavoured water and place them in ice pop molds so the person can enjoy ice pops on hot summer days.
These are just some examples of creative ways to motivate people affected with dysphagia to stay hydrated in the summer and enjoy the same treats everyone enjoys these hot summer months!
There are solutions to allow people to live the best quality of life possible.
At Dementia Solutions, we’ve made it our mission to demystify dementia behaviour and continue to explore person-centred, creative, non-pharmacological solutions to manage dementia-related behaviours. We believe that awareness creation and skill-building through education is the most effective and powerful tool to promote and maintain the well-being of the person with dementia and their caregiver.
If you need support in your caregiving experience or would like to learn more about our educational opportunities, please reach out to us at Info@DementiaSolutions.ca and we would be more than happy to support you.
