1
|
Burdick R, Peña-Chávez R, Namasivayam-MacDonald A, Rogus-Pulia N. Deglutologist Practices and Perceptions of the Penetration-Aspiration Scale: A Survey Study. Dysphagia 2024; 39:522-533. [PMID: 38267756 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-023-10637-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Successful dysphagia management requires accurate, succinct diagnosis and characterization of swallowing safety impairments. However, the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) remains the only available tool developed exclusively for assessment of airway protection. To best support efforts to advance the field's understanding of swallowing safety, it is crucial to understand current clinician practice patterns, perceptions, and accuracy regarding the PAS. A 46-item survey was developed and distributed to deglutologists internationally examining: (1) Demographics; (2) Scale Practices; (3) Swallowing Safety Priorities; (4) Scale Perceptions; and (5) Accuracy. The first four sections consisted of questionnaires. In the optional fifth section, respondents were asked to score five videos of swallows collected via videofluoroscopy and previously PAS-scored by two trained raters. In total, 335 responses were analyzed. The majority of respondents self-reported PAS training (84%); 90% of untrained respondents were receptive to training. Respondents reported using the PAS "always" (40%) or "frequently" (29%), and that the PAS carries "a great deal of" weight in assessment (40%). Reported application of the PAS was heterogeneous, with the most common approach being "single worst score per unique presentation" (45%). Most respondents (64%) prioritized a parameter not captured by the PAS. Untrained respondents were significantly more confident with PAS ratings than trained respondents (X2 = 7.47; p = 0.006). Of 1460 PAS ratings provided, 364 of them were accurate (25%) when compared to ratings by trained lab members. Results of this survey reflect ubiquitous use of the PAS, unmet needs for assessment of swallowing safety, low accuracy despite generally high confidence, and heterogenous training that does not correspond to confidence. This emphasizes the need for additional training in clinical application of the PAS as well as development of novel metrics to optimize assessments of swallowing safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Burdick
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1685 Highland Avenue, 5158 Medical Foundation Centennial Building, Madison, WI, 53705-2281, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), William S Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, USA
| | - Rodolfo Peña-Chávez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1685 Highland Avenue, 5158 Medical Foundation Centennial Building, Madison, WI, 53705-2281, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), William S Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, USA
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud y de los Alimentos, Departamento de Ciencias de La Rehabilitacion en Salud, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ashwini Namasivayam-MacDonald
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, McMaster University, Togo Salmon Hall 331, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Rogus-Pulia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1685 Highland Avenue, 5158 Medical Foundation Centennial Building, Madison, WI, 53705-2281, USA.
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), William S Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiang W, Zou Y, Huang L, Zeng Y, Xiao LD, Chen Q, Zhang F. Gustatory stimulus interventions for older adults with dysphagia: a scoping review. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023:10.1007/s40520-023-02437-4. [PMID: 37209267 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02437-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gustatory stimulus interventions have been shown to improve swallowing function in older adults with dysphagia. However, the optimal intervention strategies as well as their effects and safety remain unclear. AIMS To explore current evidence regarding gustatory stimulus interventions for dysphagia in older adults. METHODS Nine electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Sinomed) were searched from their inception to August 2022. RESULTS This review identified 263 articles, and 15 met the inclusion criteria. The types of gustatory stimulus interventions included spicy (n = 10), sour (n = 3), and mixed (sour-sweet) stimuli (n = 2), with most studies focusing on spicy stimuli. The most frequently reported spicy stimulus was capsaicin. Further, the most commonly reported intervention frequency was thrice a day before meals for 1-4 weeks. The stimuli concentrations and dosages could not be standardized due to the among-study heterogeneity. These studies reported 16 assessment tools and 42 outcomes, which mainly included videofluoroscopy and swallowing response time respectively. More than half of the included studies reported no adverse effects of gustatory stimulus interventions. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSIONS Gustatory stimulus interventions improved swallowing function in older adults with dysphagia. However, assessment tools and outcomes for dysphagia should be standardized in the future, and explore personalized interventions based on different diseases and their stages, to determine the most cost-effective interventions, and to prevent its complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Jiang
- West China School of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Zou
- West China School of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Huang
- West China School of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanli Zeng
- School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lily Dongxia Xiao
- College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Qian Chen
- West China School of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fengying Zhang
- West China School of Nursing, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Effects of Food and Liquid Properties on Swallowing Physiology and Function in Adults. Dysphagia 2022; 38:785-817. [PMID: 36266521 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-022-10525-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Foods and liquids have properties that are often modified as part of clinical dysphagia management to promote safe and efficient swallowing. However, recent studies have questioned whether this practice is supported by the evidence. To address this, a scoping review was conducted to answer the question: "Can properties of food and liquids modify swallowing physiology and function in adults?" Online search in six databases yielded a set of 4235 non-duplicate articles. Using COVIDENCE software, two independent reviewers screened the articles by title and abstract, and 229 full-text articles were selected for full-text review. One-hundred eleven studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis and assessment of risk of bias. Three randomized controlled trials and 108 non-randomized studies were analyzed. Large amounts of variability in instrumental assessment, properties of food and liquids, and swallowing measures were found across studies. Sour, sweet, and salty taste, odor, carbonation, capsaicin, viscosity, hardness, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness were reported to modify the oral and pharyngeal phase of swallowing in both healthy participants and patients with dysphagia. Main swallow measures modified by properties of food and liquids were penetration/aspiration, oral transit time, lingual pressures, submental muscle contraction, oral and pharyngeal residue, hyoid and laryngeal movement, pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter pressures, and total swallow duration. The evidence pooled in this review supports the clinical practice of food texture and liquid consistency modification in the management of dysphagia with the caveat that all clinical endeavors must be undertaken with a clear rationale and patient-specific evidence that modifying food or liquid benefits swallow safety and efficiency while maintaining quality of life.
Collapse
|
4
|
Ghazanfar H, Shehi E, Makker J, Patel H. The Role of Imaging Modalities in Diagnosing Dysphagia: A Clinical Review. Cureus 2021; 13:e16786. [PMID: 34513393 PMCID: PMC8405125 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysphagia, which is characterized by difficulty in oro-gastric bolus transit, is a common condition. It is broadly classified into oropharyngeal or esophageal pathology. A wide array of differentials for dysphagia and initial clinical suspicion of oropharyngeal or esophagus etiology can assist in further evaluation. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) are the preferred modalities for assessing oropharyngeal bolus transit, residual, as well as determining the risk of laryngeal aspiration. High-resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRPM) is an emerging modality for optimal topographical and pressure assessment of pharyngeal anatomy. HRPM provides improved assistance in evaluating the strength of the pharyngeal muscular contraction. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the preferred exam for patients with suspected esophageal etiology of dysphagia. Barium swallow provides luminal assessment and assists in evaluating esophageal motility; it is non-invasive, but therapeutic interventions like biopsy cannot be performed. High-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) has added another dimension in the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders. The purpose of this review article is to help internists and primary care providers get a better understanding of the role of various imaging modalities in diagnosing dysphagia in the elderly population. This article also provides a comprehensive review and detailed comparison of these imaging modalities based on the latest evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elona Shehi
- Medicine/Gastroenterology, Bronxcare Health System, Bronx, USA
| | - Jasbir Makker
- Gastroenterology, Bronxcare Hospital Center, Bronx, USA
| | - Harish Patel
- Internal Medicine, Bronxcare Hospital Center, Bronx, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thiyagalingam S, Kulinski AE, Thorsteinsdottir B, Shindelar KL, Takahashi PY. Dysphagia in Older Adults. Mayo Clin Proc 2021; 96:488-497. [PMID: 33549267 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Dysphagia, which is a geriatric syndrome affecting 10% to 33% of older adults, is commonly seen in older adults who have experienced a stroke or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer or Parkinson disease. Patients diagnosed as having dysphagia can experience malnutrition, pneumonia, and dehydration. Patients can also experience increased rates of mortality and long-term care admission. Providers can identify the specific type of dysphagia for treatment in approximately 80% of patients by asking 5 questions in the patient's history: What happens when you try to swallow? Do you have trouble chewing? Do you have difficulty swallowing solids, liquids, or both? Describe the symptom onset, duration, and frequency? What are the associated symptoms? Providers can then request a videofluoroscopic swallow study or a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing for further evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia. If providers are diagnosing esophageal dysphagia, barium esophagraphy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) can be used as part of the assessment. Patients can be treated for oropharyngeal dysphagia by using compensatory interventions, including behavioral changes, oral care, dietary modification, or rehabilitative interventions such as exercises and therapeutic oral trials. Providers often address treatment of esophageal dysphagia by managing the underlying etiology, which could include removal of caustic medications or using EGD as a therapeutic modality for esophageal rings. High-quality, large research studies are necessary to further manage the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this growing geriatric syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanojan Thiyagalingam
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN
| | - Anne E Kulinski
- Department of Neurology-Speech-Language Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN
| | - Bjorg Thorsteinsdottir
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN
| | - Katrina L Shindelar
- Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN
| | - Paul Y Takahashi
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN; Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Levenson SA, Walker VL. It Is Time to Revamp Approaches to Managing Dysphagia in Nursing Homes. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 20:952-955. [PMID: 31353044 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
7
|
Birchall O, Bennett M, Lawson N, Cotton SM, Vogel AP. Instrumental Swallowing Assessment in Adults in Residential Aged Care Homes: A Scoping Review. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 22:372-379.e6. [PMID: 33069625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To systematically describe evidence on the use of instrumental swallowing assessment for residents of aged care homes. DESIGN Scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Published peer-reviewed and gray literature written in English between 2000 and 2020 about instrumental swallowing assessment (ISA) in adults in residential aged care homes (RACHs). MEASURES A systematic, 3-tiered search of databases including Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and gray literature databases was conducted. Content analysis identified common themes. RESULTS Forty-two sources, 30 from peer-reviewed journals, 12 gray literature publications, and 66 websites of mobile ISA providers that discussed videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) and/or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) use in RACHs were included. Most peer-reviewed sources were referenced narratives or surveys of speech pathology practice patterns (53.3%). Researchers in 3 studies used onsite mobile FEES and in 2 studies off-site VFSS, with adults living in RACHs, as part of their research design (16.7%). There were 66 mobile instrumental swallowing assessment provider websites, based within the United States. Three countries (Australia, United States, United Kingdom) had professional guidelines that stipulated minimal requirements for the safe and appropriate provision of ISA services across settings. Themes identified across sources included (1) the approach to swallowing management and clinical indicators for ISA, (2) the role of ISA, (3) service and consumer influences on ISA, and (4) mobile FEES. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS There is a paucity of quality research on instrumental swallowing assessment in adults living in RACHs. There are broad regional and international variances in the way that videofluoroscopy and FEES are accessed and used. A more robust evidence base is required to guide health professionals to design tailored ISA care pathways for residents of RACHs, to achieve high-quality health, social, and economic outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Birchall
- Centre for Neuroscience of Speech, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Michelle Bennett
- School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, Australia
| | - Nadine Lawson
- Speech Pathology Department, Cabrini Hospital, Malvern, Australia
| | - Susan M Cotton
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adam P Vogel
- Centre for Neuroscience of Speech, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Redenlab, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ballesteros-Pomar MD, Cherubini A, Keller H, Lam P, Rolland Y, Simmons SF. Texture-Modified Diet for Improving the Management of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Nursing Home Residents: An Expert Review. J Nutr Health Aging 2020; 24:576-581. [PMID: 32510109 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-020-1377-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper provides evidence-based and, when appropriate, expert reviewed recommendations for long-stay residents who are prescribed texture-modified diets (TMDs), with the consideration that these residents are at high risk of worsening oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD), malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and OD-associated mortality, poorer quality of life and high costs. DESIGN Nestlé Health Science funded an initial virtual meeting attended by all authors, in which the unmet needs and subsequent recommendations for OD management were discussed. The opinions, results, and recommendations detailed in this paper are those of the authors, and are independent of funding sources. SETTING OD is common in nursing home (NH) residents, and is defined as the inability to initiate and perform safe swallowing. The long-stay NH resident population has specific characteristics marked by a shorter life expectancy relative to community-dwelling older adults, high prevalence of multimorbidity with a high rate of complications, dementia, frailty, disability, and often polypharmacy. As a result, OD is associated with malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, functional decline, and death. Complications of OD can potentially be prevented with the use of TMDs. RESULTS This report presents expert opinion and evidence-informed recommendations for best practice on the nutritional management of OD. It aims to highlight the practice gaps between the evidence-based management of OD and real-world patterns, including inadequate dietary provision and insufficient staff training. In addition, the unmet need for OD screening and improvements in therapeutic diets are explored and discussed. CONCLUSION There is currently limited empirical evidence to guide practice in OD management. Given the complex and heterogeneous population of long-stay NH residents, some 'best practice' approaches and interventions require extensive efficacy testing before further changes in policy can be implemented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M D Ballesteros-Pomar
- María Ballesteros-Pomar, Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, León, Spain,
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Berkman C, Ahronheim JC, Vitale CA. Speech-Language Pathologists’ Views About Aspiration Risk and Comfort Feeding in Advanced Dementia. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2019; 36:993-998. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909119849003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are often called upon to assess swallowing function for older adults with advanced dementia at high risk of aspiration and make recommendations about whether the patient can safely continue oral nutrition. Objective: To describe the circumstances under which SLPs recommend oral nutritional intake for these patients. Methods: A mail survey of a national probability sample of SLPs (n = 731). Speech-language pathologists were asked if there were circumstances in which they would recommend oral feeding for patients with advanced dementia at high risk of aspiration, and if yes, to describe the circumstances under which they do so. Results: Six themes emerged: (1) when patient preferences are known; (2) for quality of life near end of life; (3) if aspiration risk mitigation strategies are employed; (4) if physician’s preference; (5) if aspiration risk is clearly documented and acknowledged; and (6) if SLP is knowledgeable about current evidence of lack of benefit of feeding tubes in advanced dementia or that nothing by mouth status will not necessarily prevent aspiration pneumonia. Conclusions: Speech-language pathologists have an important role within the interprofessional team in assessing swallowing in patients with advanced dementia, advising family and hospital staff about risks and benefits of oral feeding, and the safest techniques for doing so, to maximize quality of life for these patients near the end of life. Speech-language pathologists are often faced with balancing concerns about aspiration risk and recommending the more palliative approach of oral feeding for pleasure and comfort, potentially creating moral distress for the SLP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Berkman
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Caroline A. Vitale
- Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor GRECC, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Woo J, Tong C, Yu R. Chewing Difficulty Should be Included as a Geriatric Syndrome. Nutrients 2018; 10:E1997. [PMID: 30562922 PMCID: PMC6315631 DOI: 10.3390/nu10121997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have noted an association between chewing difficulties and frailty. In a pilot survey of primary care needs of older people living in the community using automated methods, we examined the prevalence of chewing difficulties and the cross-sectional association with other geriatric syndromes, chronic diseases, and the use of hospital services. A brief multi-domain geriatric assessment was administered to 2259 men and women using a mobile device, the data uploaded to the cloud and analyzed. A total of 37.8% had chewing difficulties, which were associated with older age, poor vision, frailty, sarcopenia, memory complaints, low subjective well-being, incontinence, and stroke. The results suggest that chewing difficulties should be included as a geriatric syndrome and should be included in primary care screening of geriatric syndromes as well as chronic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Woo
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Cecilia Tong
- CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Ruby Yu
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|