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Annoying little habits ?

Posted by Kathy @4goakley, 2 days ago

My husband has always displayed excellent manners, but since his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, he has developed some impolite habits, like spitting when we are walking outdoors. At the table, will pick at his teeth with his finger, or swish liquids around in his mouth before swallowing. I understand his brain doesn’t recognize these things as bad manners.
Reminders to avoid these behaviours are of course forgotten immediately !
Has anyone else experienced this ? Or have suggestions to handle it ?

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marilynt | @marilynt | 8 hours ago
In reply to @kjc48 "@judimahoney Once again you made me laugh although there is absolutely nothing funny about your husband..." + (show)
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@judimahoney Once again you made me laugh although there is absolutely nothing funny about your husband wanting to keep you apprised of his daily bowel movements. I agree we have to choose our battles, but my God, there are so many of them. And so many strange quirks. At night, my husband moves his plate around and around to position the food, then destroys it cutting into every finite piece like a time-consuming project. By the time he gets through all of that, it's cold. Then the sun starts to go down, I suggest an evening walk - NO, it's too dark. One drop of rain, he wants to hibernate in the house. He doesn't have any desire to take a trip, absolutely no flying although I can't blame him with everything going on in planes right now! Now I'm noticing a - not so good - smell in his mouth. I have to book a dental cleaning for him, and I'm not sure how that's going to go down. Best, Karla

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@kjc48 I am a retired Dental Hygienist, and I think a dental cleaning is a good idea. Let the dental office know of his medical issues and update his medications. I would also suggest that you check his mouth first, (if he will let you) to see if he is brushing well and if there are deposits on his teeth.That could be the source of the problem.

You know your husband best to prepare him for the dentist. I never had problems treating dementia patients. One sweet lady kept talking about her life with her husband from many years ago like it happened yesterday! I hope you have a good outcome.

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marilynt | @marilynt | 8 hours ago
In reply to @timber2026 "@kjc48 Mine does the same thing! Wants to share his bathroom habits with me. He asked..." + (show)
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@kjc48

Mine does the same thing! Wants to share his bathroom habits with me. He asked me to come "look" the other day. Huh-uh. No thank you. TMI.

He also started swishing the liquid in his mouth whether it be coffee, soda, Ensure. So strange. 🙃

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@timber2026 Mine did the swishing coffee also! I was able to get him stop because I told him it is giving him bad breath and staining his teeth.
But luckily he still cares about how he looks and this may not be the case down the road. All of us are on this crazy journey! One day at a time.

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kjc48 | @kjc48 | 6 hours ago
In reply to @marilynt "@kjc48 I am a retired Dental Hygienist, and I think a dental cleaning is a good..." + (show)
Profile picture for marilynt @marilynt

@kjc48 I am a retired Dental Hygienist, and I think a dental cleaning is a good idea. Let the dental office know of his medical issues and update his medications. I would also suggest that you check his mouth first, (if he will let you) to see if he is brushing well and if there are deposits on his teeth.That could be the source of the problem.

You know your husband best to prepare him for the dentist. I never had problems treating dementia patients. One sweet lady kept talking about her life with her husband from many years ago like it happened yesterday! I hope you have a good outcome.

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@marilynt thank YOU so much for reaching out. Yes, something is going on, and I suspect it's just what you said. I have him using the water pik and I'm making an appointment with the hygenist. I appreciate you taking the time this mornig. Your post is extremely helpful. Best, Karla

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