Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Complications of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Older Patients with Dementia

Comprehensive assessment and treatment strategies for dysphagia in the elderly population: Current status and prospects

As the population ages, the prevalence of dysphagia among older adults is a growing concern. Age-related declines in physiological function, coupled with neurological disorders and structural changes in the pharynx associated with aging, can result in weakened tongue propulsion, a prolonged reaction time of the submental muscles, delayed closure of the laryngeal vestibule, and delayed opening of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), increasing the risk of dysphagia. Dysphagia impacts the physical health of the elderly, leading to serious complications such as dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and even life-threatening conditions, and it also detrimentally affects their psychological and social well-being. There is a significant correlation between frailty, sarcopenia, and dysphagia in the elderly population. Therefore, older adults should be screened for dysphagia to identify both frailty and sarcopenia. A reasonable diagnostic approach for dysphagia involves screening, clinical assessment, and instrumental diagnosis. In terms of treatment, multidisciplinary collaboration, rehabilitation training, and the utilization of new technologies are essential. Future research will continue to concentrate on these areas to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia, with the ultimate aim of enhancing the quality of life of the elderly population.

Acoustic Analysis of Swallowing of an Experimental Meal of Three Food Textures: A Comparative Aging Study

Swallowing disorders in the elderly represent a public health problem, their detections are a medico-economic issue. The acoustic analysis of swallowing has the advantages of being non-invasive with no radiation, compared to videofluoroscopy or fiberoptic swallowing assessments. Acoustic analysis of swallowing has been tested in many studies but only on small food boluses. The aim of this study was to compare the acoustic swallowing parameters of two groups of healthy subjects, before and after 70 years old, during the intake of a series of 3 food textures. A laryngophone was used to record the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. The experimental meal was composed of 100 ml of mashed potatoes, 100 ml of water, and 100 ml of yogurt. Group 1 (50-70 years old) comprised 21 subjects and group 2 (over 70 years old) 23 subjects. Acoustic parameters analyzed were the number of swallows, average duration of swallowing, average duration of inter-swallowing, meal duration, and the average frequency of swallowing per minute. These parameters for groups 1 and 2 were compared. The average duration of inter-swallowing and the meal duration were significantly higher in the older group (p < 0.001), with a mean duration of inter-swallowing that was 2.4 s longer than the younger group. The average swallowing frequency per minute was higher in the younger group (11.3 vs 7.9; p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that acoustic analysis of an experimental meal of three food textures generated usable data on swallowing. In the over 70 age group, there was a decrease in swallowing frequency, indicating a slowdown in food intake. A reduced swallowing frequency could become a criteria to assess presbyphagia.

Neurophysiological characterization of oropharyngeal dysphagia in older patients

OBJECTIVE

To characterize swallowing biomechanics and neurophysiology in older patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD).

METHODS

Observational study in 12 young healthy volunteers (HV), 9 older HV (OHV) and 12 older patients with OD with no previous diseases causing OD (OOD). Swallowing biomechanics were measured by videofluoroscopy, neurophysiology with pharyngeal sensory (pSEP) and motor evoked-potentials (pMEP) to intrapharyngeal electrical and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), respectively, and salivary neuropeptides with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

83.3% of OOD patients had unsafe swallows (Penetration-Aspiration scale = 4.3 ± 2.1; p < 0.0001) with delayed time to laryngeal vestibule closure (362.5 ± 73.3 ms; p < 0.0001) compared to both HV groups. OOD patients had: (a) higher pharyngeal sensory threshold (p = 0.009) and delayed pSEP P1 and N2 latencies (p < 0.05 vs HV) to electrical stimulus; and (b) higher pharyngeal motor thresholds to TMS in both hemispheres (p < 0.05) and delayed pMEPs latencies (right, p < 0.0001 HV vs OHV/OOD; left, p < 0.0001 HV vs OHV/OOD).

CONCLUSIONS

OOD patients have unsafe swallow and delayed swallowing biomechanics, pharyngeal hypoesthesia with disrupted conduction of pharyngeal sensory inputs, and reduced excitability and delayed cortical motor response.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings suggest new elements in the pathophysiology of aging-associated OD and herald new and more specific neurorehabilitation treatments for these patients.

Content validation of the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis "impaired swallowing" using the Delphi technique: A study with dysphagia nursing experts in Japan

PURPOSE

Nurses' clinical reasoning skills regarding impaired swallowing can help prevent patient complications and maintain quality of life. Clinical reasoning skills need content-validated defining characteristics (DCs). We aimed to validate the content of these DCs for nursing diagnosis "impaired swallowing."

METHODS

Content validation of the DCs was performed by 275 dysphagia nursing experts in Japan, using 3 rounds of the Delphi technique and Fehring's Diagnostic Content Validation (DCV) model. Three rounds of questionnaires on 84 DCs were completed via printed mail.

FINDINGS

The valid response rates for each round were as follows: round 1, 90.2%; round 2, 77.8%; and round 3, 71.3%. Of the 84 DCs, 77 that met the consensus criteria were categorized as major (n = 18), minor (n = 45), and excluded (n = 14). There were four minor DCs other than the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases. DCs listed from outside NANDA-I included 12 major, 16 minor, and 3 excluded characteristics. Of the NANDA-I DCs, 5 were no consensus and 11 were excluded. The total DCV score for the 63 major and minor DCs was 0.8.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results recommend the addition of 28 DCs and the exclusion of 11 for the NANDA-I nursing diagnosis "impaired swallowing" (00103). Major DCs were prominent indicators of impaired swallowing and signs of aspiration or pharyngeal residuals. Minor DCs included not only the three phases but also other signs necessary for a comprehensive understanding of impaired swallowing.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

This validation study strengthens the clinical usefulness of the DCs for impaired swallowing, which can improve nurses' clinical reasoning skills. Major and minor DCs can increase the awareness of impaired swallowing and enable accurate intervention, thereby preventing patient complications and maintaining quality of life.

End-of-Life Care of Persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias

End-of-life (EOL) care has been a common option for patients with terminal medical conditions such as cancers. However, the utilization of EOL care in Alzheimer disease and other dementing conditions have become available relatively recently. As the end-stage dementia approaches, the clinicians and caregivers become faced with numerous clinical challenges-delirium, neuropbehavioral symptoms, the patient's inability to communicate pain and associated discomfort, food refusal, and so on. In addition to providing quality clinical care to the EOL patients, clinicians should pay special attention to their families, assuring that their loved ones will receive supportive measures to improve quality of life (QOL).

Feasibility of Oral Function Evaluation According to Dementia Severity in Older Adults with Alzheimer's Disease

Oral function evaluation in older adults with dementia is important for determining appropriate and practical dietary support plans; however, it can be challenging due to their difficulties in comprehending instructions and cooperating during assessments. The feasibility of oral function evaluation has not been well studied. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the feasibility of oral function evaluation in older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD) according to Functional Assessment Staging of Alzheimer's Disease (FAST) stages. In total, 428 older adults with AD (45 men and 383 women; mean age: 87.2 ± 6.2 years) were included. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to examine the prevalence of participants who were unable to perform oral function evaluations, including oral diadochokinesis (ODK), repeated saliva swallow test (RSST), and modified water swallow test (MWST). In comparison to the reference category (combined FAST stage 1-3), FAST stage 7 was associated with the infeasibility of ODK (adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval = 26.7, 4.2-168.6), RSST (5.9, 2.2-16.1), and MWST (8.7, 1.6-48.5, respectively). Oral function evaluation is difficult in older adults with severe AD. Simpler and more practical swallowing function assessments and indicators that can be routinely observed are required.

Pre-hospitalization dysphagia and feeding tube placement in nursing home residents with advanced dementia

BACKGROUND

Despite research demonstrating the risks of using feeding tubes in persons with advanced dementia, they continue to be placed. The natural history of dysphagia among patients with advanced dementia has not been examined. We conducted a secondary analysis of a national cohort of persons with advanced dementia staying at a nursing home stay before hospitalization to examine (1) pre-hospitalization dysphagia prevalence and (2) risk of feeding tube placement during hospitalization based on preexisting dysphagia.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study consisting of all nursing home (NH) residents (≥66 years) with advanced dementia (Cognitive Function Scale score ≥2), a hospitalization between 2013-2017, and a Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 assessment within 120 days before hospitalization. Pre-hospitalization dysphagia status and surgically placed feeding tube insertion during hospitalization were determined by MDS 3.0 swallowing items and ICD-9 codes, respectively. A multivariate logistic model clustering on hospital was used to examine the association of dysphagia with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding tube placement after adjustment for confounders.

RESULTS

Between 2013 and 2017, 889,983 persons with NH stay with advanced dementia (mean age: 84.5, SD: 7.5, and 63.5% female) were hospitalized. Pre-hospitalization dysphagia was documented in 5.4% (n = 47,574) and characterized by oral dysphagia (n = 21,438, 2.4%), pharyngeal dysphagia (n = 24,257, 2.7%), and general swallowing complaints/pain (n = 14,928, 1.7%). Overall, PEG feeding tubes were placed in 3529 patients (11.2%) with pre-hospitalization dysphagia, whereas 27,893 (88.8%) did not have pre-hospitalization dysphagia according to MDS 3.0 items. Feeding tube placement risk increased with the number of dysphagia items noted on the pre-hospitalization MDS (6 vs. 0 dysphagia variables: OR = 5.43, 95% CI: 3.19-9.27).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on MDS 3.0 assessment, only 11% of PEG feeding tubes were inserted in persons with prior dysphagia. Future research is needed on whether this represents inadequate assessment or the impact of potentially reversible intercurrent illness resulting in feeding tube placement.

Participation of the nucleus tractus solitarius in the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture on post-stroke dysphagia through the primary motor cortex

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD), a common and serious disease, affects the quality of life of many patients and their families. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been commonly used effectively in the treatment of PSD, but the therapeutic mechanism is still under exploration at present. We aim to investigate the effect of the nucleus tractus solitarus (NTS) on the treatment of PSD by EA at Lianquan (CV23) through the primary motor cortex (M1).

METHODS

C57 male mice were used to construct a PSD mouse model using photothrombotic technique, and the swallowing function was evaluated by electromyography (EMG) recording. C-Fos-positive neurons and types of neurons in the NTS were detected by immunofluorescence. Optogenetics and chemical genetics were used to regulate the NTS, and the firing rate of neurons was recorded via multichannel recording.

RESULTS

The results showed that most of the activated neurons in the NTS were excitatory neurons, and multichannel recording indicated that the activity levels of both pyramidal neurons and interneurons in the NTS were regulated by M1. This process was involved in the EA treatment. Furthermore, while chemogenetic inhibition of the NTS reduced the EMG signal associated with the swallowing response induced by activation of M1 in PSD mice, EA rescued this signal.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the NTS was shown to participate in the regulation of PSD by EA at CV23 through M1.

Crushing tablets or sprinkling capsules: Implications for clinical strategy and study performance based on BE studies of rivaroxaban and deferasirox

Administration of oral medicinal products as crushed tablets or open capsules is an important delivery option for patients suffering from dysphagia. To obtain full interchangeability of generics with the original products, demonstration of bioequivalence (BE) between both products administered as crushed tablets/open capsules was required for poorly soluble product by European Medicines Agency (EMA) at the time of development of our rivaroxaban and deferasirox generic products. We present the results of two BE studies with modified administration of these products, which compared relative bioavailability between generic and reference products. In the rivaroxaban study, the test product was administered as a capsule sprinkled on and mixed with applesauce, whereas the reference tablet was crushed and administered with applesauce under fed conditions. In the deferasirox study, both treatments were administered as crushed tablets under fasting conditions. Both studies applied a two-way crossover design and were conducted after a single-dose in healthy volunteers. The 90% confidence interval of the geometric mean ratio area under the analyte concentration versus time curve, from time zero to the time of the last measurable analyte concentration and maximum measured analyte concentration over the sampling period of the test to reference ratio were 103.36-110.37% and 97.98-108.45% for rivaroxaban, respectively, and 96.69-107.29% and 94.19-109.45% for deferasirox, respectively. Thus, the BE criteria (80.00-125.00%) were met in both studies which demonstrated that bioavailability was not affected when the test and reference products were administered in the form of crushed tablet/open capsule. These results support the argument of redundancy of crushed product studies for poorly soluble drugs, which is in line with the currently revised position of the EMA on this topic.

Tube feeding in advanced dementia: Insights from South African speech-language therapists

BACKGROUND

 Speech-language therapists (SLTs) may recommend tube feeding even with minimal research evidence of its effectiveness, and an understanding of SLTs' perceived practices is warranted.

OBJECTIVES

 To qualitatively describe a sample of South African SLTs' perceived practices regarding feeding tube placement in people with advanced dementia.

METHOD

 Semi-structured online interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams. Eight South African SLTs with a particular interest in advanced dementia, in public and private settings, were recruited. Data were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

 Three main themes were identified: (1) factors influencing SLTs' decisions for feeding tube placement in people with advanced dementia; (2) nature of clinical setting and SLTs' decision-making and (3) SLTs' considerations to improve management of people with advanced dementia. Existing local palliative care guidelines were not employed in decisions about tube feeding. Most participants did not recommend tube feeding during end-of-life care. Perceived burden of care influenced participants' decisions about tube feeding.

CONCLUSION

 Speech-language therapists in South Africa likely have an increased reliance on clinical experience rather than recent research and guidelines for decisions about feeding tube placement. Findings accentuate the importance of clinical supervision, mentoring and continuous professional development in the workplace. The findings are an urgent call to action to improve SLTs' overall practices and ethical service delivery for people with advanced dementia and their families.Contribution: Factors and needs regarding SLTs' decision-making about feeding tubes in people with advanced dementia are highlighted.

Effectiveness of nurse-delivered stepwise swallowing training on dysphagia in patients with Alzheimer's disease: A multi-center randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Although swallowing exercises are a fundamental treatment for dysphagia, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of swallowing training in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

METHODS

We recruited 93 patients with Alzheimer's disease from three hospitals in Guangdong, China. This was a parallel armed randomized controlled trial that randomly assigned patients to intervention (n = 48) and control (n = 45) groups. The intervention group adopted systematic stepwise swallowing training for four weeks based on routine dysphagia care. The control group implemented routine dysphagia care, including diet and posture management and health education about swallowing dysfunction. The swallowing function was the primary outcome, which was assessed using the Water Swallowing Test and Standard Swallowing Assessment. An abnormal eating behavior questionnaire was used to assess the incidence of aberrant eating behavior in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short Form and Barthel index were adopted to evaluate the nutritional status and ability to carry out daily activities between groups. SPSS software was used to perform the chi-square test, t-test, and generalized estimation equation for data analysis.

RESULTS

We analyzed the effects of the stepwise swallowing training program using the generalized estimating equation method. The intervention group exhibited greater improvements in their swallowing function (Water Swallowing Test: β = -3.133, 95 % CI: -4.113, -2.154, P < 0.001; Standard Swallowing Assessment: β = -5.813, 95 % CI: -7.782, -3.844, P < 0.001), abnormal eating behaviors (abnormal eating behavior questionnaire: β = -13.324, 95 % CI: -21.643, -5.005, P = 0.002), daily function (Barthel index: β = 11.280, 95 % CI: 4.021, 18.540, P = 0.002), and nutritional status (Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short Form: β = 2.402, 95 % CI: 1.313, 3.490, P < 0.001) over time than the routine-care group in the fourth week.

CONCLUSIONS

Stepwise swallowing training is a safe and effective intervention for managing dysphagia and other related symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Brain and Pharyngeal Responses Associated with Pharmacological Treatments for Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Older Patients

Impaired pharyngo-laryngeal sensory function is a critical mechanism for oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). Discovery of the TRP family in sensory nerves opens a window for new active treatments for OD. To summarize our experience of the action mechanism and therapeutic effects of pharyngeal sensory stimulation by TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPM8 agonists in older patients with OD. Summary of our studies on location and expression of TRP in the human oropharynx and larynx, and clinical trials with acute and after 2 weeks of treatment with TRP agonists in older patients with OD. (1) TRP receptors are widely expressed in the human oropharynx and larynx: TRPV1 was localized in epithelial cells and TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPM8 in sensory fibers mainly below the basal lamina. (2) Older people present a decline in pharyngeal sensory function, more severe in patients with OD associated with delayed swallow response, impaired airway protection and reduced spontaneous swallowing frequency. (3) Acute stimulation with TRP agonists improved the biomechanics and neurophysiology of swallowing in older patients with OD TRPV1 = TRPA1 > TRPM8. (4) After 2 weeks of treatment, TRPV1 agonists induced cortical changes that correlated with improvements in swallowing biomechanics. TRP agonists are well tolerated and do not induce any major adverse events. TRP receptors are widely expressed in the human oropharynx and larynx with specific patterns. Acute oropharyngeal sensory stimulation with TRP agonists improved neurophysiology, biomechanics of swallow response, and safety of swallowing. Subacute stimulation promotes brain plasticity further improving swallow function in older people with OD.

Transient receptor potential channels as an emerging therapeutic target for oropharyngeal dysphagia

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a serious health concern in older adults and patients with neurological disorders. Current oropharyngeal dysphagia management largely relies on compensatory strategies with limited efficacy. A long-term goal in swallowing/dysphagia-related research is the identification of pharmacological treatment strategies for oropharyngeal dysphagia. In recent decades, several pre-clinical and clinical studies have investigated the use of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels as a therapeutic target to facilitate swallowing. Various TRP channels are present in regions involved in the swallowing process. Animal studies have shown that local activation of these channels by their pharmacological agonists initiates swallowing reflexes; the number of reflexes increases when the dose of the agonist reaches a particular level. Clinical studies, including randomized clinical trials involving patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, have demonstrated improved swallowing efficacy, safety, and physiology when TRP agonists are mixed with the food bolus. Additionally, there is evidence of plasticity development in swallowing-related neuronal networks in the brain upon TRP channel activation in peripheral swallowing-related regions. Thus, TRP channels have emerged as a promising target for the development of pharmacological treatments for oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Nutrition in Alzheimer's disease: a review of an underappreciated pathophysiological mechanism

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in older individuals and is an escalating challenge to global public health. Pharmacy therapy of AD is one of the well-funded areas; however, little progress has been made due to the complex pathogenesis. Recent evidence has demonstrated that modifying risk factors and lifestyle may prevent or delay the incidence of AD by 40%, which suggests that the management should pivot from single pharmacotherapy toward a multipronged approach because AD is a complex and multifaceted disease. Recently, the gut-microbiota-brain axis has gained tremendous traction in the pathogenesis of AD through bidirectional communication with multiple neural, immune, and metabolic pathways, providing new insights into novel therapeutic strategies. Dietary nutrition is an important and profound environmental factor that influences the composition and function of the microbiota. The Nutrition for Dementia Prevention Working Group recently found that dietary nutrition can affect cognition in AD-related dementia directly or indirectly through complex interactions of behavioral, genetic, systemic, and brain factors. Thus, considering the multiple etiologies of AD, nutrition represents a multidimensional factor that has a profound effect on AD onset and development. However, mechanistically, the effect of nutrition on AD is uncertain; therefore, optimal strategies or the timing of nutritional intervention to prevent or treat AD has not been established.Thus, this review summarizes the current state of knowledge concerning nutritional disorders, AD patient and caregiver burden, and the roles of nutrition in the pathophysiology of AD. We aim to emphasize knowledge gaps to provide direction for future research and to establish optimal nutrition-based intervention strategies for AD.

The Adverse Effects and Events of Thickened Liquid Use in Adults: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Practice pattern studies suggest that liquid modification is currently a primary strategy used by speech-language pathologists to manage dysphagia; however, the breadth of negative consequences associated with their use is not well understood. The purpose of this review was to summarize the evidence on adverse events and effects of thickened liquid (TL) use in adults.

METHOD

Six databases were searched in February 2022: EMBASE, MEDLINE (PubMed), Speechbite, AMED, AgeLine, and CINAHL. Articles were included if they compared adults receiving different TL viscosities and discussed at least one adverse event or effect of consuming TLs. Articles were excluded if they were review articles, rehabilitation studies, rheological analyses, not in English, or not peer reviewed. Screening and data extraction were completed by two independent reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools.

RESULTS

Thirty-three studies (N = 4,990 participants across all studies) were eligible for inclusion (2,405 unique records screened). Reported adverse events included dehydration (n = 5), pneumonia (n = 4), death (n = 2), urinary tract infection (n = 1), and hospitalization (n = 1); adverse effects included reduced quality of life (n = 18), aspiration (n = 12), reduced intake (n = 8), increased residue (n = 4), and reduced medication bioavailability (n = 2). Results were mapped on to codes and domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

CONCLUSIONS

A range of adverse outcomes associated with TL use were identified. Adverse outcomes should be monitored and reported in dysphagia research. Given current research evidence, it is vital for clinicians to weigh the risks and benefits of TL use to mitigate potential adverse outcomes.

Mortality risk factors among patients undergoing hemodialysis in a nursing home

AIM

This study aimed to verify the impact of low body mass index (BMI) on mortality in nursing home residents undergoing hemodialysis and to clarify other associated mortality risk factors.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients admitted to a nursing home affiliated with Nagasaki Renal Center between April 2014 and March 2022. Medical data were collected on admission, and participants were divided into low and high BMI groups according to their median BMI values. The patients were followed up until March 2023. The association between survival and patient history was also analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 106 patients (average age, 81.3 ± 7.9 years; male, 36.8%; median dialysis vintage, 32.5 [interquartile range (IQR), 13.8-79.3] months), 52 and 54 were classified into the low (median < 18.4 kg/m2 ) and high (≥18.4 kg/m2 ) BMI groups, respectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis indicated that BMI (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82-0.94; P < 0.001) was closely associated with survival. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that dementia was associated with low BMI (odds ratio: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.07-7.83, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Low BMI was an important factor contributing to poor patient survival. Dementia was associated with low BMI. Therefore, the management of both nutrition and dementia is essential for nursing home residents undergoing hemodialysis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 660-664.

Validation of a Geriatric Bedside Swallowing Screen (GEBS): Protocol of a Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Demographic changes will raise the need for specialized care of older patients. Oropharyngeal dysphagia has recently been declared a geriatric syndrome reflecting its multifactorial background. Alongside multimorbidity, sarcopenia, frailty, and disability, swallowing disorders increase with advancing age, with prevalence rates reported to be as high as 44% in acute geriatric hospital settings and 80% in long-term care facilities. Hence, systematic screening of older patients to diagnose dysphagia and initiate treatment is of paramount importance to prevent bolus death, aspiration pneumonia, and malnutrition and improve quality of life. Several screening tools have been evaluated in emergency and stroke units. However, no published dysphagia screening tool has been validated in the hospitalized, older adult population using a gold standard in dysphagia diagnostics as a reference test. The validation of the proposed test is a first step.

OBJECTIVE

The Geriatric Bedside Swallowing Screen (GEBS) study aims to validate a new screening tool developed specifically for older inpatients against an instrumental swallowing evaluation, the flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), which is considered a gold standard. Primary outcomes to be evaluated are sensitivity and specificity for the GEBS in the detection of dysphagia in a mixed older adult population. The presence of dysphagia will be defined by an instrumental swallowing evaluation (FEES), analyzed by the standardized penetration-aspiration scale.

METHODS

To validate the GEBS, a prospective cohort study will be carried out. Two institutions, an acute geriatric department and a long-term care facility, will aim to recruit a total of 100 patients aged ≥75 years. After giving their informed consent, patients will undergo the full screening protocol described in the GEBS as well as an evaluation of swallowing function using the FEES. Investigators will be blinded to the results of the respective other testing. The analysis of pseudonymized data sets will be done by a third investigator. Outcomes to be considered are sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, positive and negative likelihood quotient, and the reliability of the proposed dysphagia screening tool using the κ coefficient.

RESULTS

Recruitment started in October 2022 and will end in April 2024. Data publication is planned for early 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

If proven to be a valid screening tool for the early detection of dysphagia, further studies including different older adult populations as well as studies to determine the impact of systematic dysphagia screening on parameters, such as rates of aspiration pneumonia or nutritional status, should be planned. Effective screening of dysphagia will lead to earlier detection of patients with impaired swallowing. Those who fail the screening will be referred to speech language pathology for further diagnosis, thus optimizing care while streamlining personnel resources.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISCRTN Registry ISRCTN11581931; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11581931.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/46252.

Risk factors independently associated with the maintenance of severe restriction of oral intake and alternative feeding method indication at hospital outcome in patients after acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

From a clinical point of view, post-stroke patients present difficulties in swallowing management. The purpose of this research was to identify risk factors that were independently related to the maintenance of a severe restriction of oral intake in patients affected by acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

The authors conducted a prospective observational cohort study of patients with dysphagia post-acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to an Emergency Room (ER). Demographic and clinical data were collected at ER admission. Swallowing data was based on The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and was collected at two distinct moments: initial swallowing assessment and at the patient outcome. Patients were divided into two groups according to their FOIS level assigned on the last swallowing assessment (at hospital outcome): G1 with severe restriction of oral intake and indication of feeding tube - patients with FOIS levels 1 to 4; G2 without restriction of food consistencies in oral intake - patients with FOIS levels 5 to 7.

RESULTS

One hundred and six patients were included in our study. Results of the multivariate logistic regression model for the prediction of maintenance of a severe restriction of oral intake at hospital outcome in patients post-acute ischemic stroke indicated that increasing age (p = 0.006), and dysarthria (p = 0.003) were associated with higher chances of presenting severe restriction of oral intake at hospital outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with acute ischemic stroke in an Emergency Room may experience non-resolved severe dysphagia, indicating the need to prepare for the care/rehabilitation of these patients.

Associations Between Dysphagia and Adverse Health Outcomes in Older Adults with Dementia in Intensive Care Units: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia is common in elderly patients with dementia and is one of the common clinical geriatric syndromes. It imposes a heavy burden on patients and their caregivers and is becoming an important public health problem. This study examined the association between dysphagia in older dementia patients in the ICU and the subsequent adverse health outcomes they experience.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of adults (≥65 years) with dementia in ICUs of a Boston tertiary academic medical center was conducted. Using the International Classification of Diseases' Ninth and Tenth Revisions, dementia patients were identified. The study cohort comprised 1009 patients, median age 84.82 years, 56.6% female, predominantly White (72.9%). Patients were grouped based on swallowing function: dysphagia (n=282) and no-dysphagia (n=727). Dysphagia was identified via positive bedside swallowing screening. Primary outcomes were 90- and 180-day mortality, secondary outcomes included aspiration pneumonia, pressure injury, and delirium. Cohort characteristics were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum and chi-square tests. Dysphagia and outcomes correlations were examined via Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Cox proportional-hazards regression models, logistic regression models, and subgroup analysis.

RESULTS

After adjusting for covariates, the results from multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression indicated that dysphagia was significantly associated with increased 90-day (HR=1.36, 95% CI=1.07-1.73, E-value=1.78) and 180-day (HR=1.47, 95% CI=1.18-1.82, E-value=1.94) mortality; the multifactorial logistic regression results indicated that dysphagia was associated with significant increases in pressure injury (OR=1.58, 95% CI=1.11-2.23, E-value=1.83) and aspiration pneumonia occurrence (OR=4.04, 95% CI=2.72-6.01, E-value=7.54), but was not significantly associated with delirium prevalence (OR=1.27, 95% CI=0.93-1.74).

CONCLUSION

Dysphagia is likely to increase the risk of adverse health outcomes in older adults with dementia in ICU, and these adverse outcomes mostly include 90- and 180-day mortality, aspiration pneumonia, and pressure injury.

Dysphagia is closely related to frailty in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease

INTRODUCTION

Physical phenotype and the cumulative deficit model are two well-known concepts of frailty. One of the main components of frailty is loss of muscle mass and function, which may also include swallowing muscles, therefore is a risk factor for dysphagia. Since dysphagia is seen starting from the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), in this study we aimed to reveal the relationship between frailty and dysphagia and dysphagia-related quality of life through Swallow Quality of Life (SwalQoL) tool in patients with AD and compare them with cognitively intact older adults.

METHODS

Comprehensive geriatric assessment, dysphagia evaluation by Eating-Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and SwalQoL questionnaire, and frailty assessment via FRAIL and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) were performed on all 101 participants of the study. Thirty-five patients were cognitively intact, 36 patients were diagnosed with mild AD, and 30 patients were diagnosed with moderate AD.

RESULTS

Sex distribution was similar between the groups, however, there was a statistically significant age difference. The prevalence of frailty increased according to both frailty indexes as the cognitive status deteriorated. All parameters of SwalQoL except fear and sleep parameters deteriorated as cognitive status impaired. In quantile regression of the total score of the SwalQoL questionnaire and multivariable logistic regression of EAT-10, frailty, as defined by CFS and FRAIL, was associated with dysphagia and poor quality of life regardless of age, presence of dementia, as well as nutritional status.

CONCLUSION

Swallowing difficulties in AD negatively affects the quality of life, and it is closely related to frailty in mild-to-moderate AD.

Long-Term Effectiveness of Physical Exercise-Based Swallowing Interventions for Older Adults with Dementia in a Day-Care Center

Swallowing safety is one of the top health concerns of dementia. Coughing and choking (coughing/choking) are signs of impaired swallowing safety. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of regular physical exercise-based swallowing intervention for reducing coughing-choking at the dementia day-care center. This was a retrospective analysis with data from medical records, including age, the clinical dementia rating (CDR), and the frequencies of coughing/choking in ten days (10-day coughing/choking). Those who complied with the exercise programs were assigned to the exercise-based group (n = 22), and those who could not comply were assigned to the non-exercised-based group (n = 7). The non-exercised-based group showed more advanced age and higher CDR than the exercise-based group (p < 0.05). The 10-day coughing/choking showed significant decreases at the 5-month and 19-month in the exercise-based group and at the 5-month in the non-exercise-based group (p < 0.05). Our findings suggested that regular physical exercise-based swallowing intervention effectively alleviated coughing/choking problems of older adults with dementia and its effectiveness was long-lasting. For those who could not comply with exercise programs, noticeably with more advanced age and dementia, the effective swallowing intervention period was short-term.

Rheological Issues on Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

There is an increasing proof of the relevance of rheology on the design of fluids for the diagnosis and management of dysphagia. In this sense, different authors have reported clinical evidence that support the conclusion that an increase in bolus viscosity reduces the risks of airway penetration during swallowing. However, this clinical evidence has not been associated yet to the definition of objective viscosity levels that may help to predict a safe swallowing process. In addition, more recent reports highlight the potential contribution of bolus extensional viscosity, as elongational flows also develops during the swallowing process. Based on this background, the aim of this review paper is to introduce the lecturer (experts in Dysphagia) into the relevance of Rheology for the diagnosis and management of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). In this sense, this paper starts with the definition of some basic concepts on Rheology, complemented by a more extended vision on the concepts of shear viscosity and elongational viscosity. This is followed by a short overview of shear and elongational rheometrical techniques relevant for the characterization of dysphagia-oriented fluids, and, finally, an in-depth analysis of the current knowledge concerning the role of shear and elongational viscosities in the diagnosis and management of OD (shear and elongational behaviors of different categories of dysphagia-oriented products and contrast fluids for dysphagia assessment, as well as the relevance of saliva influence on bolus rheological behavior during the swallowing process).

Association between deprescribing from polypharmacy and functional recovery and home discharge among older patients with sarcopenia after stroke

OBJECTIVE

Evidence regarding the association between deprescribing from polypharmacy and outcomes in the convalescent rehabilitation setting is rare. The aim of this study was to assess the association between deprescribing from polypharmacy and functional recovery and home discharge in older patients with sarcopenia after stroke.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a convalescent rehabilitation hospital from January 2015 to December 2021. Among newly admitted patients in the convalescent rehabilitation ward who had experienced a stroke, patients aged ≥65 y with sarcopenia at admission and who were using at least five medications were included. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to hand-grip strength and skeletal muscle mass index following the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. The primary outcome measures were functional independence-measured motor activity (FIM-motor) at discharge and home discharge. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine whether deprescribing from polypharmacy at admission was independently associated with rehabilitation outcomes.

RESULTS

Among the 264 patients with polypharmacy, 153 patients (mean age, 81.1 y; 46.4% males) were diagnosed with sarcopenia and included in the analysis. Of them, 56 (36.6%) were deprescribed from polypharmacy. Deprescribing from polypharmacy was independently associated with FIM-motor at discharge (β, 0.137; P = 0.017) and home discharge (odds ratio, 1.393; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Because no effective pharmacotherapy for sarcopenia has been established, the novel findings of this study may be useful in the pharmacotherapy for older patients with sarcopenia after stroke. Deprescribing from polypharmacy on admission was positively associated with functional status at discharge and home discharge in older patients with sarcopenia after stroke.

Respiratory aspiration during treatment with clozapine and other antipsychotics: a literature search and a pharmacovigilance study in VigiBase

INTRODUCTION

Antipsychotics (APs), during treatment or overdose, may be associated with respiratory aspiration.

AREAS COVERED

A PubMed search on September 30, 2022, provided 3 cases of respiratory aspiration during clozapine therapy and 1 case during an AP overdose. VigiBase records of respiratory aspiration associated with APs from inception until September 5, 2021, were reviewed. VigiBase, the World Health Organization's global pharmacovigilance database, uses a statistical signal for associations called the information component (IC).

EXPERT OPINION

The ICs (and IC₀₂₅) were 2.1 (and 2.0) for APs, 3.2 (and 3.0) for clozapine, 2.6 (and 2.4) for quetiapine, and 2.5 (and 2.2) for olanzapine. Cases of respiratory aspiration associated with APs included: 137 overdose/suicide cases (64 fatal) and 609 cases during treatment (385 fatal) including 333 taking clozapine (238 fatal). In logistic regression models of fatal outcomes, the odds ratios, OR, and (95% confidence intervals, CI) of significant independent variables were: a) 2.3 - 2.6 for clozapine in 3 samples of AP treatment of varying size, b) 1.9 (CI 1.0 to 3.5) for geriatric age in 284 patients on clozapine treatment, and c) 1.8 (CI 1.1 - 3.2) for antidepressant co-medication in 276 patients on non-clozapine APs. Multiple AP pharmacological mechanisms may explain respiratory aspiration.

Instrumental swallowing assessment in adults in residential aged care homes: Practice patterns and opportunities

OBJECTIVE

To describe practice patterns in the use of instrumental swallowing assessment (ISA) for older adults in residential aged care homes (RACHs).

METHODS

A retrospective audit of medical records of residents living in RACHs in Melbourne, Australia to extract data on speech-language pathologist (SLP) involvement, indications for ISA and ISA practice patterns.

RESULTS

Medical files of 323 residents across four Melbourne facilities were reviewed. 36% (n = 115) of residents were referred to SLP for swallowing assessment. Referral to SLP was related to length of stay (U = 7393.00, p < 0.001), dementia status (χ2 [1] = 7.06, p = 0.008), texture modification (χ2 [1] = 93.34, p < 0.001) and an existing dysphagia diagnosis (χ2 [1] = 112.89, p < 0.001). There were no referrals for ISA and no instances of ISA being used. Among 115 residents who were referred to SLP for swallowing assessment, there were 33 instances where ISA might be clinically relevant according to ISA indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

Instrumental swallowing assessment is not being used for the management of swallowing in RACHs in Australia despite a clinical need for ISA and a potential role for ISA to improve swallowing care quality. Lack of timely ISA may fail to meet the complex health-care needs of older adults living with dysphagia in RACHs, increasing their vulnerability to complications of dysphagia and its management.

Prevalencia de la disfagia orofaríngea en pacientes adultos. Revisión sistemática y metanálisis

Introducción y objetivo: La disfagia orofaríngea es un síntoma clínico de alta prevalencia, caracterizado por la dificultad en la deglución, que presenta diversos factores etiológicos. Su tratamiento se realiza de manera multidisciplinar, incluyendo diversos profesionales de ciencias de la salud. El objetivo es conocer la prevalencia de la disfagia orofaríngea en pacientes adultos.  Método: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de estudios relativos a la prevalencia de disfagia orofaríngea en pacientes adultos. El cribado y la selección de estudios se realizó a través del método Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Se realizó un análisis estadístico de las variables consideradas relevantes para el estudio.  Resultados: Un total de 29 estudios fueron seleccionados. La prevalencia total de la disfagia se presentó con una probabilidad de p = 0.39, en un intervalo de confianza de (IC 95% 0.303 – 0.476).  Discusión: Existe asociación o correlación entre la disfagia y diversos estados clínicos o patologías del paciente. Se ha encontrado una relación directa entre la prevalencia de la disfagia y una edad avanzada.  Conclusiones: La disfagia orofaríngea se presentó con una alta prevalencia según los estudios seleccionados. Las enfermedades neurológicas, la malnutrición y la neumonía fueron los principales estados comórbidos en los pacientes con disfagia. La función de enfermería permanece prácticamente ausente en los estudios seleccionados.  

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Hospitalized Older Adults With Dementia: A Mixed-Methods Study of Care Partners

PURPOSE

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) affects nearly 90% of hospitalized persons with dementia. Yet, little is known about the care partner experience. The purpose of our study was to describe the experience of care partners related to OD management in patients with dementia as they transition from the hospital to the community setting.

METHOD

Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted telephone interviews with care partners of recently hospitalized older adults with dementia and OD. Interviews consisted of quantitative/qualitative assessments: communication with health care team, perception about risks/benefits of dysphagia diet, and informational needs. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data. For the qualitative data, transcripts were independently coded by research team and categorized into themes.

RESULTS

Of the care partners interviewed (N = 24), mean age was 63.5 (SD = 14.9), 62.5% were female, and 66.7% were White. Nearly 60% of patients had severe dementia, and 66.7% required feeding assistance. Care partners (n = 18) reported moderate burden of 14.11 (SD = 10.03). Most care partners (83.3%) first learned about OD during hospitalization. Only 29.2% of care partners reported that they discussed OD with a physician. Care partner perception of dysphagia diet risks/benefits ranged widely: 33.3% thought dysphagia diets would promote a more enjoyable existence. Over half (54.2%) of care partners indicated no choice regarding dysphagia diets was presented to them. Two thirds (n = 16) of care partners were nonadherent to diet recommendations; the top reason (n = 13%) was diet refusal by patients. Although 83.3% of care partners wanted additional information regarding dysphagia management, only 20.8% sought any.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight that care partners of persons with dementia face significant OD-related communication and informational gaps, which may lead to elevated burden. Future studies are needed to address unmet OD-related care partner needs.

Importance of feeding status evaluation in older patients undergoing hemodialysis

Older hospitalized patients undergoing hemodialysis are increasingly experiencing malnutrition caused by dysphagia. However, only a few studies have focused on this problem. We used the Kuchikara Taberu Balance Chart (KTBC) to evaluate the patients' feeding status and examined its association with their nutritional status and prognosis. This study included elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis who were hospitalized at Nagasaki Renal Center for > 3 days between June 2021 and February 2022. In total, 82 inpatients were included [mean age, 73.4 ± 10.0 years; men, 57.3%; median dialysis vintage, 79.0 months (interquartile range, 37.3-164.8)]. We classified patients with lower than the median KTBC score (57 points) as being at risk for dysphagia; 37 patients (45.1%) were at risk for dysphagia. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (ρ) elucidated that the KTBC total score was significantly associated with each nutritional indicator [serum albumin level (ρ = 0.505, p < 0.001); geriatric nutritional risk index (ρ = 0.600, p < 0.001); and nutritional risk index (ρ = -0.566, p < 0.001)]. The KTBC score was also closely associated with the body mass index (ρ = 0.228, p = 0.04). Patients with a lower KTBC score showed poor prognosis (log-rank test: p = 0.001), and age- and sex-adjusted Cox proportional analysis showed that the KTBC score was associated with life prognosis (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% confidential interval, 0.86-0.94; p < 0.001). Therefore, we concluded that the patients at risk of dysphagia, identified using the KTBC score, were malnourished and had a poor prognosis. Hence, the evaluation of dysphagia using the KTBC is encouraged to prevent malnutrition in vulnerable older patients undergoing hemodialysis.

A Systematic and Universal Artificial Intelligence Screening Method for Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: Improving Diagnosis Through Risk Management

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is underdiagnosed and current screening is costly. We aimed: (a) to develop an expert system (ES) based on machine learning that calculates the risk of OD from the electronic health records (EHR) of all hospitalized older patients during admission, and (b) to implement the ES in a general hospital. In an observational, retrospective study, EHR and swallowing assessment using the volume-viscosity swallow test for OD were captured over 24 months in patients > 70 yr admitted to Mataró Hospital. We studied the predictive power for OD of 25,000 variables. ES was obtained using feature selection, the final prediction model was built with non-linear methods (Random Forest). The database included 2809 older patients (mean age 82.47 ± 9.33 yr), severely dependent (Barthel Index 47.68 ± 31.90), with multiple readmissions (4.06 ± 7.52); 75.76% had OD. The psychometrics of the ES built with a non-linear model were: Area under the ROC Curve of 0.840; sensitivity 0.940; specificity, 0.416; Positive Predictive Value 0.834; Negative Predictive Value 0.690; positive likelihood ratio (LH), 1.61 and negative LH, 0.146. The ES screens in 6 s all patients admitted to a 419-bed hospital, identifies patients at greater risk of OD, and shows the risk for OD in the clinician's workstation. It is currently in use at our institution. Our ES provides accurate, systematic and universal screening for OD in real time during hospital admission of older patients, allowing the most appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to be selected for each patient.

Polypharmacy and Its Association with Dysphagia and Malnutrition among Stroke Patients with Sarcopenia

Evidence on polypharmacy in patients with sarcopenia is lacking. We aimed to examine the association of polypharmacy with swallowing function and nutritional risk in post-stroke patient with sarcopenia. This retrospective cohort study included hospitalized patients diagnosed with sarcopenia who needed convalescent rehabilitation following stroke onset. Study outcomes were the Food Intake Level Scale (FILS) as dysphagia assessment and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) as nutritional status at hospital discharge, respectively. To examine the impact of admission polypharmacy, multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine whether the number of drugs prescribed at hospital admission was associated with these outcomes. As a result, of the 586 patients enrolled, 257 (mean age 79.3 years, 44.0% male) were diagnosed with sarcopenia and were finally analyzed high admission drug prescription numbers were independently associated with FILS (β = −0.133, p = 0.017) and GNRI (β = −0.145, p = 0.003) at hospital discharge, respectively. Polypharmacy is associated with dysphagia and malnutrition in post-stroke patients with sarcopenia. In addition to the combination of nutritional and exercise therapies, review and optimization of prescription medications may be warranted to treat sarcopenia in order to maximize improvement in outcomes for these patients.

A Biopsychosocial Model of Mealtime Management in Persons with Dementia, an Asset-Based Approach to Patient-Centered Care

Considering the rapid increase in the population over the age of 65, there is increasing need to consider models of care for persons with dementia (PWD). One common deficit associated with dementia progression is difficulty with successful participation in mealtimes. Difficulty participating in mealtimes in PWD is not the result of one factor, but rather a confluence of biological, psychological, and social characteristics common in dementia. Factors leading to mealtime difficulties for PWD may include changes in cognitive status, altered sensorimotor functioning, and increased reliance on caregiver support. The complex nature of biological, psychological, and social factors leading to mealtime difficulty highlights the need for a pragmatic model that caregivers can utilize to successfully support PWD during mealtimes. Existing models of dementia and mealtime management were reviewed and collated to create a model of mealtime management that considers this complex interplay. The Biopsychosocial Model of Mealtime Management builds on past research around patient-centered care and introduces an asset-based approach to capitalize on a PWD's retained capabilities as opposed to compensating for disabilities associated with dementia. We hope this model will provide a framework for caregivers to understand what factors impact mealtime participation in PWD and provide appropriate means on intervention.

The sensitivity and specificity of the modified volume-viscosity swallow test for dysphagia screening among neurological patients

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a highly prevalent condition after stroke and other neurological diseases. The volume-viscosity swallow test (V-VST) is a screening tool for OD. Considering that the recommendations of volume and thickeners in the original V-VST limited the popularization and application of the test in the Chinese population, we provide the modified V-VST to detect OD among neurological patients. In addition, the accuracy of the modified V-VST to screen OD needs to be verified. We included 101 patients with neurological diseases. OD was evaluated by a modified V-VST and a videofluoroscopy swallowing study (VFSS) using 3 volumes (i.e., 3, 5, and 10 ml) and 4 viscosities (i.e., water, mildly thick, moderately thick, and extremely thick). In this study, to compare with the original V-VST results, a volume of 20 ml was also included. The discriminating ability of modified V-VST in detecting OD was assessed by the sensitivity and specificity values of clinical signs of impaired efficiency (impaired labial seal, piecemeal deglutition, and residue) and impaired safety of swallowing (cough, voice changes, and oxygen desaturation ≥3%) in comparison to the results of VFSS. The modified V-VST showed 96.6% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity for OD, 85.2% sensitivity and 70% specificity for impaired safety, and 90.9% sensitivity and 76.9% specificity for impaired efficacy. Our study suggests that the modified V-VST offers a high discriminating ability in detecting OD among neurological patients.

A Comparative Study on the Effect of Acute Pharyngeal Stimulation with TRP Agonists on the Biomechanics and Neurophysiology of Swallow Response in Patients with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

Fluid thickening is the main compensatory strategy for patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) associated with aging or neurological diseases, and there is still no pharmacological treatment. We aimed to compare the effects of increasing bolus viscosity with that of acute stimulation with TRPV1, TRPA1 or TRPM8 agonists on the biomechanics and neurophysiology of swallow response in patients with OD. We retrospectively analyzed seven studies from our laboratory on 329 patients with OD. The effect of increasing shear viscosity up to 3682 mPa·s was compared by videofluoroscopy and pharyngeal sensory evoked potentials (pSEP) with that of adding to the bolus: capsaicin (TRPV1, 150 μM/10 μM), piperine (TRPA1/V1, 1 mM/150 μM), menthol (TRPM8, 1 mM/10 mM), cinnamaldehyde-zinc (TRPA1, 100 ppm−70 mM), citral (TRPA1, 250 ppm) or citral-isopulegol (TRPA1-TRPM8, 250 ppm−200 ppm). Fluid thickening improved the safety of swallow by 80% (p < 0.0001) by delaying bolus velocity by 20.7 ± 7.0% and time to laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC) by 23.1 ± 3.7%. Capsaicin 150μM or piperine 1 mM significantly improved safety of swallow by 50% (p < 0.01) and 57.1% (p < 0.01) by speeding time to LVC by 27.6% (p < 0.001) and 19.5% (p < 0.01) and bolus velocity by 24.8% (p < 0.01) and 16.9% (p < 0.05), respectively. Cinnamaldehyde-zinc shortened the P2 latency of pSEPs by 11.0% (p < 0.01) and reduced N2-P2 amplitude by 35% (p < 0.01). In conclusion, TRPV1 and TRPV1/A1 agonists are optimal candidates to develop new pharmacological strategies to promote the recovery of brain and swallow function in patients with chronic OD.

Respiratory aspiration during treatment with benzodiazepines, antiepileptic and antidepressant drugs in the pharmacovigilance database from VigiBase

INTRODUCTION

Three psychotropic drug classes, benzodiazepines, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and antidepressants (ADs), whether used in treatment or overdose, may be associated with respiratory aspiration. Polypharmacy was defined by counting suspected drugs from these classes or two others, antipsychotics and opioids. The confounding effects of polypharmacy were considered in this study.

AREAS COVERED

VigiBase records of respiratory aspiration associated with benzodiazepines, AEDs, and/or ADs from inception until September 5, 2021, were reviewed. VigiBase, the World Health Organization's global pharmacovigilance database, uses a statistical signal for associations called the information component (IC).

EXPERT OPINION

The ICs (and IC₀₂₅) were benzodiazepines 2.8 (and 2.6), AEDs 1.6 (and 1.5), and ADs 1.4 (and 1.3). The cases of respiratory aspiration associated with at least one drug from these 3 classes included: 1) 553 cases absent any known overdose (2.8±1.7 drugs) and 2) 347 overdose cases (2.9±1.8 drugs). Little support for the association of respiratory aspiration and benzodiazepine, AED or AD monotherapy in therapeutic dosages was found. Studies of the association between benzodiazepine monotherapy and respiration aspiration are needed in geriatric patients. ADs added to other medications increased lethality in all cases of respiratory aspiration including those associated with overdose, polypharmacy and/or major medical problems.

A Paradigm Shift in the Diagnosis of Aspiration Pneumonia in Older Adults

In older adults, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is often aspiration-related. However, as aspiration pneumonia (AP) lacks clear diagnostic criteria, the reported prevalence and clinical management vary greatly. We investigated what clinical factors appeared to influence the diagnosis of AP and non-AP in a clinical setting and reconsidered a more clinically relevant approach. Medical records of patients aged ≥75 years admitted with CAP were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 803 patients (134 APs and 669 non-APs) were included. The AP group had significantly higher rates of frailty, had higher SARC-F scores, resided in institutions, had neurologic conditions, previous pneumonia diagnoses, known dysphagia, and were more likely to present with vomiting or coughing on food. Nil by mouth orders, speech therapist referrals, and broad-spectrum antibiotics were significantly more common, while computed tomography scans and blood cultures were rarely performed; alternative diagnoses, such as cancer and pulmonary embolism, were detected significantly less. AP is diagnosed more commonly in frail patients, while aspiration is the underlying aetiology in most types of pneumonia. A presumptive diagnosis of AP may deny patients necessary investigation and management. We suggest a paradigm shift in the way we approach older patients with CAP; rather than trying to differentiate AP and non-AP, it would be more clinically relevant to recognise all pneumonia as just pneumonia, and assess their swallowing functions, causative organisms, and investigate alternative diagnoses or underlying causes of dysphagia. This will enable appropriate clinical management.

Accuracy of Dysphagia Standard Assessment (DSA®) bedside screening test: a flowchart for patient eligibility

Background

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) screening tests have improved patient management; however, the complex applicability and high percentage of false negatives do not allow these tests to be considered completely reliable if not supported by an instrumental investigation. The aim of the present study is to evaluate an OD screening test, the Dysphagia Standard Assessment (DSA®) with different volumes and viscosities.

Materials and methods

Prospective study of 72 patients evaluated for suspected OD through a double-blind methodology conducted by two operators. All patients underwent fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) as a reference test and a separate DSA® test. DSA® was performed by administering boluses with different viscosities, with the signal of interruption of the test being: onset of the cough reflex, wet voice after swallowing, and/or desaturation of O2 ≥ 5%. The Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) was evaluated by FEES. The cut-off identified to diagnose OD was PAS ≥ 3.

Results

The test showed an accuracy of 82%, a sensitivity of 0.93 (95% C.I. 0.84–0.97), and a specificity of 0.78 (95% C.I. 0.67–0.87); positive predictive value 0.55 (95% C.I. 0.43–0.67); negative predictive value 0.97 (95% C.I. 0.90–0.99), positive likelihood ratio 4.37 (95% C.I. 3.6–5.2); likelihood negative ratio 0.08 (95% C.I. 0.06–0.09).

Conclusions

According to the preliminary results, the test showed good outcomes in determining the presence or absence of OD with a wide spectrum of applicability with some limitations that could be overcome by the selection of a target population. For this reason, a flowchart to address patient eligibility was developed.

Dysphagia Profiles Among Inpatients with Dementia Referred for Swallow Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) patients who are hospitalized often develop oropharyngeal dysphagia, increasing risk for adverse outcomes, such as aspiration pneumonia. However, prevalence estimates of dysphagia are highly variable and often based on patient report or clinical testing rather than visualization of the swallow.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to determine prevalence and severity of dysphagia among inpatients with ADRD referred for swallowing evaluation.

METHODS

Electronic health record (EHR) abstraction of ADRD diagnosis and presence and severity of clinically-determined dysphagia on bedside swallow evaluation (BSE) and videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS).

RESULTS

16% (n = 268) had an ADRD diagnosis or were taking dementia-specific medication based on the EHR. 75% (n = 202) were diagnosed with dysphagia on the BSE. 60% subsequently underwent VFSS (n = 122) with dysphagia confirmation in 92% (n = 112). ADRD inpatients were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with dysphagia based on the BSE (p &lt; 0.0001) than those without ADRD. Additionally, dysphagia on the VFSS was more severe in the ADRD group (p &lt; 0.03).

DISCUSSION

ADRD individuals may be vulnerable to developing or worsening dysphagia during hospitalization. Results underscore the importance of evaluating swallowing function in hospitalized patients with ADRD in order to facilitate targeted intervention.

Nutritional Management in Adult Patients With Dysphagia: Position Paper From Japanese Working Group on Integrated Nutrition for Dysphagic People

This position paper prepared by the Japanese Working Group on Integrated Nutrition for Dysphagic People (JWIND) aims to summarize the need for nutritional management in adult patients with dysphagia, the issues that nutrition professionals should address, and the promising approaches as well as to propose a vision for the future of nutritional care for adult patients with dysphagia. JWIND is a joint certification system recognized by the Japan Dietetic Association and the Japanese Society of Dysphagia Rehabilitation; its members are mostly experts known as "Certified Specialist of Registered Dietitian for Dysphagia Rehabilitation." Malnutrition and dysphagia are associated with each other. Therefore, malnutrition detection and intervention are essential for patients with dysphagia. However, evidence on the usefulness nutritional assessment and intervention to ensure appropriate nutritional care remains insufficient. Here, we present current knowledge of the relationship between primary diseases causing dysphagia and malnutrition, the indicators used for nutritional assessment, and nutritional interventions such as texture-modified diet (TMD) quality improvement, oral nutritional supplementation, and comprehensive intervention. We also discuss the current status and issues in nutritional care for adult patients with dysphagia. Furthermore, we have proposed measures that nutrition professionals should consider based on 3 perspectives: nutritional assessment, TMD, and nutritional intervention. Individualized and specialized nutritional management by registered dietitians (RDs) through appropriate assessment of the nutritional status of adult patients with dysphagia is needed. To maintain and improve swallowing function and nutritional status, RDs should intervene from the state of risk or early dysphagia onset, providing individualized care per their expertise as part of a multidisciplinary team. However, systematic clinical practice and research regarding the association of nutrition with dysphagia are currently insufficient. Therefore, further clinical practice and evidence building, including the verification of the efficacy on nutritional support through intervention research, are needed.

Validation of Earphone-Type Sensors for Non-Invasive and Objective Swallowing Function Assessment

Standard methods for swallowing function evaluation are videofluoroscopy (VF) and videoendoscopy, which are invasive and have test limitations. We examined the use of an earphone-type sensor to noninvasively evaluate soft palate movement in comparison with VF. Six healthy adults wore earphone sensors and swallowed barium water while being filmed by VF. A light-emitting diode at the sensor tip irradiated infrared light into the ear canal, and a phototransistor received the reflected light to detect changes in ear canal movement, including that of the eardrum. Considering that the soft palate movement corresponded to the sensor waveform, a Bland–Altman analysis was performed on the difference in time recorded by each measurement method. The average difference between the time taken from the most downward retracted position before swallowing to the most upward position during swallowing of the soft palate in VF was −0.01 ± 0.14 s. The Bland–Altman analysis showed no fixed or proportional error. The minimal detectable change was 0.28 s. This is the first noninvasive swallowing function evaluation through the ear canal. The earphone-type sensor enabled us to measure the time from the most retracted to the most raised soft palate position during swallowing and validated this method for clinical application.

Evaluating the effectiveness of stepwise swallowing training on dysphagia in patients with Alzheimer's disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The high prevalence of dysphagia among Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients has become a public health and economic concern. Therefore, effective and accessible dysphagia treatments are needed. As a fundamental rehabilitation of dysphagia, swallowing muscle exercises have received increased attention. Stepwise swallowing training (SST), integrated with all swallowing organs movement, is expected to improve swallowing dysfunction among AD patients. By using a randomized controlled trial design, we propose a multi-center research to evaluate the effectiveness of SST program among AD patients.

METHODS

A multi-center exploratory randomized controlled trial, with a 4-week follow-up period, will be conducted in three major public psychiatric hospitals in Guangdong, China. Participants in the control group will be assigned to routine dysphagia care, while participants in the intervention group will undergo the same nursing care and additionally receive the SST program. The SST program includes five sections of swallowing organs training: lip movement, facial movement, tongue movement, mandibular movement, and neck movement. Primary outcomes evaluate the swallowing function, namely, Water Swallowing Test (WTS) and Standard Swallowing Assessment (SSA). Secondary outcomes aim at measuring the improvement of negative impacts of dysphagia, namely eating behavior, ability of daily activity, and nutritional status. Data will be collected at baseline (T₁), at 2 weeks (T₂, intervention), and 4 weeks after intervention (T₃, follow-up).

DISCUSSION

This study will offer trial-based evidence of the effectiveness of SST in relieving dysphagia among AD patients. SST program is expected to improve both the swallowing function and reduce the negative impacts of dysphagia, with an exploration of acceptability in the SST program.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200056481 . Prospectively registered on 6 February 2022.

Review of the effect of amylase-resistant dysphagia products on swallowing safety

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Thickened fluids are a widely utilised compensatory management strategy for people with impaired swallowing (dysphagia). Over recent years there has been a shift in practice to offer gum-based instead of starch-based products. A key marketing message has been that gum-based thickeners with amylase-resistant properties are superior in promoting 'safer swallowing'. This review sought evidence to evaluate the effect of amylase-resistant products on swallowing safety.

RECENT FINDINGS

No studies directly compared the effect of amylase-resistant products with usual care or products without amylase resistance. Five studies cited amylase-resistant properties and compared gum-based to starch-based dysphagia products or thin fluids. Swallowing safety was frequently judged subjectively with rating scales. Swallowing biomechanics were not included and clinically meaningful outcomes, such as incidence of aspiration pneumonia, were not reported. A scoping review of the grey literature found little evidence that amylase-resistant properties of dysphagia products were of significant concern to clinicians or patients.

SUMMARY

Despite references to the 'importance' of amylase-resistant properties of dysphagia products there is no evidence that this property improves swallowing safety. Further research is needed using objective and clinically meaningful outcome measures to allow clinicians and patients to make informed decisions for dysphagia management.

The Prevalence of Off-label Prescribing of Transmucosal Immediate-Release Fentanyl in France

CONTEXT

The abuse of opioids and opioid-related harms, including deaths, in the United States are well documented. In the European Union, opioid use has also been increasing, particularly of fentanyl.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the prevalence of off-label prescribing of transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl (TIRF), in France, in 2019. We looked at the patients' and prescribers' characteristics and compared the population of patients who received TIRF in off-label prescriptions with those taking it on-label. We also examined the differences between the patients with and without cancer in the off-label use population.

METHODS

This was a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in 2019, using the French national insurance claims database Système National d'Informations Inter-Régimes de l'Assurance Maladie, covering 98.8% of the French population, or 66 million people.

RESULTS

We selected 224,000 patients with fentanyl prescriptions. Among them, 23,209 had at least one TIRF delivered. The median age was 71 years (59-85) and most patients were female (55.8%). The prevalence of off-label prescribing of TIRF was 51.8% (n = 12,031), corresponding to 9827 patients not diagnosed with cancer. The three main pharmaceutical TIRF specialties prescribed in two groups were Abstral, Pecfent, and Instanyl. Overall, TIRF was mainly prescribed by private general practitioners (64.8%).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of off-label prescribing of TIRF in France is extremely high. A field survey is now needed 1) to better understand why TIRF is used in conditions not indicated in its marketing authorization, and in what clinical situations, and 2) to determine whether the benefit/risk ratio of such use is favorable.

Botulinum Toxin Injection for the Treatment of Upper Esophageal Sphincter Dysfunction

Dysphagia associated with upper esophageal sphincter (UES) dysfunction remarkably affects the quality of life of patients. UES injection of botulinum toxin is an effective treatment for dysphagia. In comparison with skeletal muscles of the limb and trunk, the UES is a special therapeutic target of botulinum toxin injection, owing to its several anatomical, physiological, and pathophysiological features. This review focuses on (1) the anatomy and function of the UES and the pathophysiology of UES dysfunction in dysphagia and why the entire UES rather than the cricopharyngeal muscle before/during botulinum toxin injection should be examined and targeted; (2) the therapeutic mechanisms of botulinum toxin for UES dysfunction, including the choice of injection sites, dose, and volume; (3) the strengths and weaknesses of guiding techniques, including electromyography, ultrasound, computed tomography, and balloon catheter dilation for botulinum toxin injection of the UES.

Stereotaxic-assisted gene therapy in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases: therapeutic potentials and clinical frontiers

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are neurodegenerative disorders causing cognitive deficits and motor difficulties in the elderly. Conventional treatments are mainly symptomatic with little ability to halt disease progression. Gene therapies to correct or silence genetic mutations predisposing to AD or PD are currently being developed in preclinical studies and clinical trials, relying mostly on systemic delivery, which reduces their effectiveness. Imaging-guided stereotaxic procedures are used to locally deliver therapeutic cargos to well-defined brain sites, hence raising the question whether stereotaxic-assisted gene therapy has therapeutic potentials.

AREAS COVERED

The authors summarize the studies that investigated the use of gene therapy in PD and AD in animal and clinical studies over the past five years, with a special emphasis on the combinatorial potential with stereotaxic delivery. The advantages, limitations and futuristic challenges of this technique are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Robotic stereotaxis combined with intraoperative imaging has revolutionized brain surgeries. While gene therapies are bringing huge innovations to the medical field and new hope to AD and PD patients and medical professionals, the efficient and targeted delivery of such therapies is a bottleneck. We propose that careful application of stereotaxic delivery of gene therapies can improve PD and AD management. [Figure: see text].

The global prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in different populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) refers to any abnormality in the physiology of swallowing in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which leads to the related clinical complications, such as malnutrition, dehydration, and sever complication, such as aspiration pneumonia, suffocation, and eventually, premature death. The previous studies indicated a various range of prevalence of OD. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to standardize the global prevalence of OD in different populations.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted using Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science (WoS) databases, and Google Scholar motor engine using related MeSH/Emtree and Free Text words, with no time limitation until November 2021. The heterogeneity among studies was quantified using I² index and the random effects model was used, due to the high heterogeneity among the results of studies included in the meta-analysis.

Results

The systematic literature search retrieved 2092 studies. After excluding the irrelevant studies, ultimately 27 articles with a sample size of 9841 were included in the meta-analysis. After combining the studies, the overall estimate of the global prevalence rate of OD was 43.8% (95% CI 33.3–54.9%) and the highest prevalence rate was estimated in Africa with 64.2% (95% CI 53.2–73.9%). Given the subgroup analysis based on the study population, the highest prevalence of OD was related to Dementia with 72.4% (95% CI 26.7–95.0%). The results of meta-regression indicated that the prevalence of OD has an increasing trend with the enhancement of year of publication and mean age.

Conclusion

The results of the present systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that the prevalence of OD is high in different populations and its trend has been increasing in recent years. Therefore, the appropriate strategies should be applied to reduce the prevalence of OD by finding its causation and monitoring at all levels, as well as providing feedback to hospitals.

Screening Tools Designed to Assess and Evaluate Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Adult Patients: A Scoping Review

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia (OD) significantly decreases a patient’s quality of life and poses a high economic burden to institutions. In this sense, evaluation and assessment are important interventions for health professionals, although current tools and instruments are multiple and are dispersed in the literature. The aim of this review was to map existing screening tools to assess and evaluate OD in adult patients, identify their relevant clinical parameters and respective contexts of use and provide a systematic approach and summary to better inform practice. A scoping review was developed guided by the JBI methodology and using PRISMA-ScR to report results published between 2014 and 2021, in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Databases included Medline, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, Scielo, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, OpenGrey and B-On. Mendeley was used to store and screen data. A total of 33 studies were included in the study, of which 19 tools were identified, some being intervention-based tools and others an algorithm for decision. The most common context used was in the general population and older adults. Regarding clinical parameters, the most common were food consistency, presence of the cough reflex, swallowing effort, voice changes and weight. As oropharyngeal dysphagia concerns important risks for the patient, a rigorous assessment must be performed. In this sense, the review identified specific disease-related tools and more general instruments, and it is an important contribution to more efficient dysphagia screening and prevention.

Short-Term Therapeutic Adherence of Hospitalized Older Patients with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia after an Education Intervention: Analysis of Compliance Rates, Risk Factors and Associated Complications

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is associated with adverse outcomes that require a multidisciplinary approach with different strategies. Our aim was to assess the adherence of older patients to dysphagia management recommendations during hospitalization, after a specific nurse guided dysphagia education intervention and to identify short term complications of OD and their relationship with short-term adherence. We carried out a prospective observational study in an acute and an orthogeriatric unit of a university hospital over ten months with a one-month follow-up. Four hundred and forty-seven patients (mean age 92 years, 70.7% women) were diagnosed with dysphagia using Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test (V-VST). Compensatory measures and individualized recommendations were explained in detail by trained nurse. Therapeutic adherence was directly observed during hospital admission, after an education intervention, and self-reported after one-month. We also recorded the following reported complications at one month, including respiratory infection, use of antibiotics, weight loss, transfers to the emergency department, or hospitalization). Postural measures and liquid volume were advised to all patients, followed by modified texture food (95.5%), fluid thickeners (32.7%), and delivery method (12.5%). The in-hospital compliance rate with all recommendations was 37.1% and one-month after hospital discharge was 76.4%. Both compliance rates were interrelated and were lower in patients with dementia, malnutrition, and safety signs. Higher compliance rates were observed for sitting feeding and food texture, and an increase in adherence after discharge in the liquid volume and use of thickeners. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that adherence to recommendations during the month after discharge was associated with lower short-term mortality and complications (i.e., respiratory infection, use of antibiotics, weight loss, transfers to the emergency department, or hospitalization). One-third of our participants followed recommendations during hospitalization and three-quarters one month after admission, with higher compliance for posture and food texture. Compliance should be routinely assessed and fostered in older patients with dysphagia.

Factors and Outcomes Associated With Dysphagia in Hospitalized Persons With Dementia

OBJECTIVES

Dysphagia is prevalent in older adults with dementia, particularly in the acute care setting. The objective of this study was to use an innovative approach to extract a more representative sample of patients with dysphagia from the electronic health record (EHR) to determine patient characteristics, hospital practices, and outcomes associated with dysphagia in hospitalized persons with dementia.

DESIGN

A retrospective study of hospitalized adults (aged ≥65 years) with dementia was conducted in 7 hospitals across the greater New York metropolitan area.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Data were obtained from the inpatient EHR with the following inclusion criteria: age ≥65 years; admitted to one of 7 health system hospitals between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019; and documented past medical diagnosis of dementia (based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision).

METHODS

A diagnosis of dysphagia was defined as nurse documentation of a positive bedside swallow screening, nurse documentation of "difficulty swallowing" as reason for not performing bedside swallow screening, and physician documentation of a dysphagia diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of adults with dementia (N = 8637), the average age was 84.5 years, 61.6% were female, and 18.1% were Black and 9.3% Hispanic. Dysphagia was identified in 41.8% (n = 3610). In multivariable models, dysphagia was associated with invasive mechanical ventilation [odds ratio (OR) 4.53, 95% CI 3.55-5.78], delirium (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.40-1.68), increased length of stay (B = 3.29, 95% CI 2.98-3.60), and mortality (OR 4.44, 95% CI 3.54-5.55).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Given its high prevalence, underrecognition, and associated poor outcomes, improving large-scale dysphagia identification can impact clinical care and advance research in hospitalized persons with dementia.

Prevalence of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia and Risk of Pneumonia, Malnutrition, and Mortality in Adults Aged 60 Years and Older: A Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a serious health condition associated with poor survival and quality of life in adults aged 60 years and older. Comprehensive assessment and management of OD could lead to better and improved health outcomes for older adults. Therefore, we performed the first meta-analysis to determine the pooled prevalence of OD and risk of pneumonia, malnutrition, and mortality.

METHODS

Databases including Ovid-MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and CINAHL were searched up to January 2021. Data analysis was conducted using logistic-normal for prevalence rate and DerSimonian-Lard random-effects models for outcomes and associated factors of OD, providing odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence of OD in 39 studies with 31,488 participants was 46% associated with higher pooled OR for risk of pneumonia 2.07 (95% CI, 1.58-2.72), malnutrition 2.21 (95% CI, 1.43-3.41), and mortality 2.73 (95% CI, 1.62-4.60). Geriatric syndromes including fecal incontinence 6.84 (4.955-9.44), immobility syndrome 6.06 (5.28-6.96), pressure ulcers 4.02 (2.46-6.56), sarcopenia 3.10 (1.89-5.09), urinary incontinence 2.75 (1.81-4.19), frailty 2.66 (1.16-6.13), delirium 2.23 (1.73-2.87), and falls 1.47 (1.19-1.81) and comorbidities including dementia 3.69 (2.36-5.78) and stroke 1.92 (1.47-2.52) were associated with OD.

CONCLUSION

Early identification and management of OD should consider geriatric syndromes and neurogenic comorbidities to prevent malnutrition and pneumonia and reduce mortality in adults aged 60 years and older.

Eating Difficulties among Older Adults with Dementia in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Scoping Review

This paper reports a scoping review of the literature on eating difficulties among older adults with dementia in long-term care facilities to identify key concepts, methods of measuring outcomes, interventions, and related factors. A scoping review was performed using the bibliographic databases PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library. A combination of keywords and subject headings related to eating or feeding difficulties was used. Inclusion criteria were limited to materials published in English. A total of 1070 references were retrieved, of which 39 articles were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles that met the criteria were published between 1987 and 2020. “Eating disabilities” have been defined as problems related to choosing food and/or the ability to get food to one’s mouth, chew, and swallow. Interventions for eating difficulties described in the literature include spaced retrieval training, Montessori training, and feeding skill training. Intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors related to eating difficulties were identified. This scoping review will provide direct care workers, nursing educators, and administrators with an overview of eating performance and a broad understanding of eating difficulties for older adults with dementia in long-term care facilities.