Screening of dysphagia in geriatrics

Abstract

Background The oropharyngeal dysphagia is an underestimated symptom with various causes in the geriatric population. Clinical presentation is often insidious and dysphagia symptoms are seldomly mentioned by elderly patients although causing many life-threatening complications. The aim of this work was to introduce an easy applicable tool to be used by the caregivers and general practitioners for screening of dysphagia in geriatrics for early detection of at risk individuals. Methods A sample of 200 Egyptian Arabic-speaking elderly patients (65 years or older) not complaining of dysphagia was recruited from nursing homes in Greater Cairo Area. They or their caregivers completed the designed screening tool, including; the designed questionnaires of dysphagia manifestations and eating habits. General, oral motor and bedside evaluation were also performed. In addition to filling in the EAT10 questionnaire and FEES that was performed for only suspected cases for the purpose of validation of the screening tool. Results The dysphagia manifestations questionnaire was significantly correlated with EAT 10 with p value of 0.001. It was correlated in some of its aspects with FEES showing quite reliability with p values’ range between 0.012 and 0.044. The Questionnaire of eating habits reliability of r- value of 0.568 slightly exceeding EAT10 reliability of r -value of 0.721 in the subjects under study. The cutoff point of total score of the dysphagia manifestations was > 5, with a sensitivity of 17.65% & a specificity of 94.20%. The cutoff point of total score of the bedside evaluation was ≤ 1 with a sensitivity of 66.9% & a specificity of 56.9%. Conclusion the use of this easy applicable screening tool managed to suspect and later on diagnose cases with oropharyngeal dysphagia in non-complaining aging subjects.

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

“…Screening for dysphagia is crucial in the elderly population due to its varied causes and often subtle clinical manifestations (64). Older adults at risk for dysphagia, including those who are frail, who have sarcopenia, who suffered a stroke, or who have neurodegenerative diseases or head and neck tumors, should undergo screening.…”

Malnutrition in aged care: interplay between dysphagia and diet

“…Sheikhany et al . [22] developed a questionnaire in Arabic and trialled it with 200 Egyptian aged care residents in Cairo. The questionnaire could be completed by a resident or carer and promisingly correlated with the validated and widely used Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and with flexible endoscopic swallowing evaluation (FEES) findings.…”