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Dear Robert, These problems are too difficult for you to deal with by yourself. A person who is coughing and choking on saliva and fears drinking needs to see a speech-language pathologist for a swallowing evaluation. The SLP will help with safe swallowing techniques. The constipation could be due to insufficient fiber and fluid daily, leading to a hard, dry stool that's difficult to pass. When swallowing has been evaluated, the individual needs to see a registered dietitian who can assess current food and liquid intake and determine whether there is enough fiber and fluid present to prevent constipation. The RD may advise prunes or prune juice occasionally as well. I suggest you ask this person's physician for a referral to a speech-language pathologist and a registered dietitian as soon as possible to avoid any risk for further complications. Best regards, Kathrynne > Robert McKone wrote: > > Anyone pls advise or give advice on how to deal physically with or how > to assist someone who is (entering end stages) and: > > - is coughing and choking on saliva because it does down into lungs > - has fear of drinking liquid because of same as above > - has severe constipation > > Any tips or tricks are appreciated. > > thanks, > Robert > > email: > [log in to unmask] > > -- Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD Author: "Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease" "Constipation and Parkinson's" -- audiocassette & guidebook "Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy for Parkinson's disease" & Risk Assessment Tools "Risk for malnutrition and bone fracture in Parkinson's disease," J Nutr Elderly. V18:3;1999. http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/