Excessive saliva

PatriciaR

New member
Mar 28, 2022
7
0
My husband was diagnose with dementia in 2019 and recently revised as vascular dementia with parkinsonism. His speech is very poor now,can barely form a sentence, which is so frustrating for both of us. But almost the worst thing is the excessive saliva. I have not seen this mentioned. He cannot do anything which entails dropping his head because it is like a waterfall. It can be controlled by him raising his chin and swallowing, but he seems unable to do this without me telling him. It is unbearable having to repeat these instructions to him, sometimes every few minutes. He gets through innumerable handkerchiefs each day. DOES ANYONE HAVE A SOLUTION? I hate meeting up with anyone because I have to constantly watch him to make sure he isn't dribbling, and I have had to ban him from doing anything in the kitchen because it is so unhygenic.
Bedtime comes as a relief because lying down is the only way to control it.
 

Shedrech

Registered User
Dec 15, 2012
12,649
0
UK
Hello @PatriciaR
A warm welcome to DTP
I'd mention this to your husband's GP as there may be meds to help and best to keep the GP up to date with any symptoms, especially when they cause such problems ... maybe ask for a referral to a SALT specialist as this would come under the remit of 'speech and language' issues
 

Suesue.G.

Registered User
Aug 9, 2020
79
0
Hi PatricaR. My OH also has Vascular Dementia with Alzheimers and, recently diagnosed, Parkinsonism. He also dribbles all the time. We get through boxes and boxes of tissues. I find this bit pretty hard to deal with, if I am honest. I am fine cleaning him up when he wets himself, or, occasionally, messes himself, but all the saliva makes me feel a bit quesey. I have to remind him to close his mouth too. It just keeps on giving, doesn't it!
 

PatriciaR

New member
Mar 28, 2022
7
0
I have mentioned this problem a number of times - at Memory clinic, to GP and at recent appointment with consultant at hospital. The latter said there is a med but it is very strong and dries the mouth up, which may cause other complications. He did promise to speak with colleagues in neurology and stroke departments but to date I have heard nothing.
It just seems to be getting worse (where does it all come from) and dealing with it 16 hours a day is horrendous.
 

Suesue.G.

Registered User
Aug 9, 2020
79
0
Patricia R. Our GP and SALT
said that if OH had meds to dry his saliva it could cause mouth ulcers, which would be far worse. My OH is also suffering from, worsening, reflux, which makes him choke and cough when he drinks, so he needs encouraging to take fluids, eventho he is finding this unpleasant. The poor man can't win really!
 

ClaireeW

Registered User
Sep 22, 2021
66
0
Definitely medications out there to try. I worked for years with patients on antipsychotics causing this problem and there are several options.
 

PatriciaR

New member
Mar 28, 2022
7
0
Thanks for the input, although it would appear that any solutions may cause further problems. As I hadn't heard or read of anyone else with this problem it is at least reassuring that I am not alone. Still hoping that consultant will get back to me with something.