Dysphagia: its nature, assessment and management

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Clinical Medicine
• Speech and Language Pathology

Background:

• Dysphagia significantly affects older adults' health, quality of life, and healthcare costs.
• Acquired oropharyngeal dysphagia is a prevalent condition in the elderly population.
• Challenges exist in medication administration for individuals with dysphagia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current literature on acquired oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults.
• To examine the etiology, prevalence, consequences, and management of this condition.
• To explore various assessment methods for dysphagia.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on dysphagia in older adults.
• Examination of etiological factors and consequences.
• Analysis of assessment techniques including screening, clinical evaluation, and instrumental methods.

Main Results:

• Dysphagia has diverse causes and significant negative impacts on health and well-being.
• Effective management requires a comprehensive approach.
• Multidisciplinary assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis and tailored interventions.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the nature, assessment, and management of dysphagia is vital for geriatric care.
• Early and accurate assessment by speech and language therapists is essential.
• Addressing dysphagia improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare burdens.