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> > In essence, I urgently need to know what can be done to revitalize my > Mom's swallowing-capability & gag-reflex, to avert potential aspirations > (which have already, says the doctor, caused life-threatening problems). > -- SJS > Sounds like you need to consider a PEG tube for your mom. It is possible that her gag-reflex could be re-established at a later date, but right now she needs the nutrition she will not be able to receive if she has to swallow. Furthermore, she will remain at high risk for aspiration pneumonia, which (as you know) is life threatening, if she continues to try to swallow food with a diminished gag-reflex. PEG tubes can always be removed. If, after her meds are regulated, she is capable of swallowing, she could eat normally with the tube still in place. Or, she could receive supplemental feeding in addition to eating to boost her lost reserve. ----- Regards Mary Ann