My father is 85 years of age, diagnoised with alzehimers - moderate.  He has 2 habits that we are trying to stop with limited success.       1. Picking nose until it bleeds - in winter ended up in hospital numberous times and actually had to have blood transfusion.  2. Spitting all the time in the house- on the floor, etc.    Trying to get a plan to minimize habits - have been to doctors. ENT has helped with nose but the spitting continues  any suggestions on next steps would be greatly appreicated
Hello He is 85 years and suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The habit of nose picking has been taken care of by ENT doctor. He has habit of spitting in house all the times. Most likely the habit of spitting is related to Alzheimer's disease. Underlying anxiety and forgetfulness may be the reason for his repeated spitting. Probably he is not aware of repeated spitting. To minimize the habit-- Keep one pen and paper pad near him. Write down instructions on the paper in front of him. In this way the number of spitting will reduce to some extent. - Other possible reason for the increased salivation might be the medicines for Alzheimer's disease. Commonly used medicines like Donepezil can cause increased salivation which might be the reason of excessive spitting. If this is the cause consult his Psychiatrist again of dose adjustments if any. Hope this helps you, Thanks