Examination of the correlation between functionality, cognition and swallowing skills in patients with acute stroke

This study aims to identify factors linked to swallowing abilities in acute stroke patients, including lesion location, cognitive level, clinical features, stroke risk factors, and functionality. A total of 97 patients who were hospitalized in the neurology clinic and diagnosed with stroke and whose duration of after stroke did not exceed 7 days were included. Acute stroke patients aged between 45 and 90 years, 58 males and 39 females, were grouped according to lesion type, affected side, and stroke risk factors. Turkish MMASA (TR-MMASA) was used to evaluate the swallowing ability of the patients. Additionally, Standardized Mini Mental Test (SMMT) and Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) were applied to evaluate cognition level and functionality, respectively. No significant relationship was found between TR-MMASA results and time spent after stroke (0-7 days), lesion type, affected side, and risk factors for stroke (p > 0.05). A moderately significant correlation was found between MRS and TR-MMASA (r=-0.312, p < 0.05) while a highly significant correlation was found between SMMT and TR-MMASA (r=-0.352, p < 0.05). Decreases in functionality and cognitive level are considered to be strong predictors of detecting dysphagia. To detect complications at the earliest stage, rapid dysphagia screening tests that screen for pre-swallowing skills should be included in routine assessments in stroke patients with low cognitive level and functionality. Further referrals can be provided by evaluating the patient's level of cognition, functionality, and pre-swallowing skills together at the first presentation to the hospital.