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Grandpa is gagging and throwing up frequently...is this normal?

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Alzheimer's Disease
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Posted 4/18/2005 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
My granfather is somewhere in stage 2 of Alzheimer's.  Just this past Thursday, he started throwing up.  He already has been coughing for some time and sometimes the coughing results in him throwing up.  But he's been throwing up an average of 2 a day.  He seems fine, no fever, achy muscles...just weak and whinny (since the onset of this disease he is VERY whinny).  What concerns me the most is the throwing up.  Does anyone know how to stop the coughing/throwing up?  Is this the part where I am going to need to start him on baby food?  My grandmother who is caring for him (but I live right next door) is old and STUBBORN...she forgets to ask questions when they go to the doctor or can't remember what the doctor said.  My mom and I try to make sure we go, but she is getting worse and worse at asking for help!  She went to the store to get Kleenex and took Grandpa with her (thank goodness we finally convinced her he should not be driving anymore) and he threw up in the car!!   What can be done to make Grandpa stop throwing up/gagging/coughing.  I know that swallowing becomes an issue with this disease, but it happened so suddenly!!!  Help Please.
Posted 4/18/2005 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
Caligal, Please get some advice from your grandpa's doc soon!The vomiting could be something unrelated, but either way something that is tough on older people...I am seeing some of the effects of Alzheimers on my boyfriend's mother.Her appetite is not good(except for sweets and such), she complains of her throat bothering her, is 'dreamy' (sits and just looks away at times)goes through spells of mixing up names and accusing some of us of stealing(THAT stings, but we must keep in mind they can't help it.)She is still in the beginning stages, as far as they know, though.There is tons of info on Alzheimers online.....maybe you could look and see if vomiting is also a symptom.Hopefully someone who is more knowledgable than me can answer your question...keep posting, and take care.
Posted 4/19/2005 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you JA!  I have been looking online but the surface search has turned up vague info....tonight I'll have more time to dig deeper.  You are so right about the effect of throwing up...I see him getting weak and is sleepier than usual. I am sorry about your boyfriends mother!!  My grandpa has been accusing people of stealing his stuff/money for about 2 years now.  You are so right about the sting of such an accusation .  And to try and rationalize with him/them is IMPOSSIBLE.  My mom/his daughter is a 3rd grade teacher and we find we try to apply simple learning techniques with him...sometimes it works others, UGH.  I will call the doctor tomorrow, but I have little faith in my grandmother's choice of family physician.  He did do better today....only had 4 major coughing fits.  Regarding the sweets, my grandpa, too, would eat almost continuosly if allowed.  When we go to social events, we have to watch him like a kid because he'll walk out with every pocket filled with candies.  It's kinda funny to watch him in action.  He actually "sneaks" the candy into his pocket. Well, thank you again JA for your response.  Keep smiling!  CaliGal
Posted 4/19/2005 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
Miss caligal...as suggessted I would try to get ahold of his Doc and tell him whats been going on ,,,,and see what he has to say...............My Mom has AD as well and I am her caregiver .she is usually not too bad but can get paranoid and cranky at times lol,she has yet to think (out loud) anyways that someone is stealing from her...and that must really hurt but you must keep in mind they dont realize what they are saying alot of the times.......................Yes there comes a time when pureed food has to be given to them but I would also check that out with the doc......until then be careful of the types of candy he is getting ahold of as he may have problems with that as well .............Welcome and glad to have yous aboard...........great place for info and being able to vent our frustrations at what this DD has done to our loved ones ......will be thinking about you .......please keep us posted .......take care and God Bless
Posted 4/19/2005 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
Caligal, I'm glad my small amount of input helped.I remembered another thing that DOESN'T work with dealing with my boyfriend's mom.(sometimes we have to work backwards..from what doesn't work to what does!haha)She gets very upset when she is approached with what she perceives as being talked to as a child.I know they may behave as a child at times, but it is a hit to their egos and self respect to be 'talked down 'to.Almost as if they keep just enough of themselves, to be insulted.Tough to find a balance between taking care of them and not insulting them!And as you say, logic doesn't really work, because that part of their brain is terribly affected it seems.Get some support, and try and keep a sense of humor....none of it is funny, but it can be dealt with much easier if it doesn't take it's toll on those around so severely.This site is a great place to vent and has very supportive people ...........I go everywhere from bipoar(son) to allergies....it helps to talk about it! Take care and post often.........
Posted 4/19/2005 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome Caligal!!!

Yes, my Dad has AD also. He is very suspicious of people and keeps a reall short leash on his wallet. He won't even let Mom see in there. He does hand it to me on occassion if we are in the store . . . so I am honored that he trusts me. He has actually 'sneaked' money to me. I just thank him and then spend it on him for golfing or things at the store.

Don't know what to add about the vomitting except that, I would suggest you make a list of questions you need answered and symptoms that you have seen in your Dad, as well as an outline any decline. You could then call the doc's office and let them know that you would like to mail it or come in for a consult. I would also inform them that Mom doesn't remember what is being said at the appointments and you would appreciate if they could call you when appointments are made so that you could attend. Doc's office may appreciate this or may not allow it. But, it is worth a try.

Keep us posted!

Blessings!
Posted 4/26/2005 10:22 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like maybe his medications are the culprit,talk to the Dr.ASAP.

Posted 6/9/2007 8:36 AM (GMT 0)
i am trying to find information for a friend of mine who has alzheimers, she is only 58 and she had a PET scan done on her in Dec. they said she had advanced progressive alzheimers.she has not spoken a complete sentence in two years. now only a few names. I have known her for 8 years and she started to get this about 2 years ago. i take her to a neurologist each month and she is on razidyne and she has started to get really agaited and will get her purse and start walking down the street. so now shes on seroquel 50 mgs in the evening, which is helping. now she will get food out of the freezer and try to eat it if someone isn't looking. some foods she eats she throws up. she does it in her bed, in the bathroom sink, or anywhere. i thought she was in the second stage but someone told me it was the third stage. i really don't know that much about it, i'm just helping her out, and learning also. if anyone knows what else i can do i would appreciate it.
Posted 6/9/2007 9:14 AM (GMT 0)
Talking with the Dr needs to be done ASAP!!
Posted 6/10/2007 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
TOTALLY agree

Get your friend Back to the doc asap as Snowy said

Please do let us know how things go

God Bless
LYN

You are a true friend .......
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