70 year old mom can't get diagnosis for: gritty thick saliva, hypersalivation, burning eyes, mouth pain, lack of appetite. Is in Psych ward now b/c so depressed about condition and lack of help. Do you know what this could be?
Yes! It sounds like Candidiasis---overgrowth of Candida in her system. Scroll down on this site, http://www.candida-albicans-infection.com/systemic-candidiasis-symptoms.html to the description of Oral symptoms. Overgrowth of Candida can effect mucus in eyes as well, making them burn. There are lots of other sites you can find on Candidiasis as well.
Doctors often don't look for this and testing can be tricky. There are some home tests you can do. Check out http://www.candidasupport.org/candidatests.html#SALIVA%20TEST
There are many types of treatment, from having her doctor prescribe an antifungal medication (research this b4 you run out and get the meds) and naturopathic remedies.
You might want to take your mom to a naturopathic doctor for confirmation.