Dysphagia And Dementia: Examining The Interrelation
Date of Graduation
Spring 2001
Degree
Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Department
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Committee Chair
Julie Stierwalt
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to explore the relation between dementia and dysphagia. The medical records of twenty-two individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (DAT) were evaluated to determine severity of dementia, nutritional status, and signs/symptoms of dysphagia (level of eating dependency and weight changes). The degree of dementia (Mini Mental State Examination, MMSE) was correlated with lab values indicating nutrition and hydration status. MMSE scores were also correlated with age and level of eating dependency. No significant correlation was found between the areas examined. Of interest to note was the finding that lab values associated with malnutrition and dehydration were not routinely collected in this subject population. Also, it appears in order to adequately examine the relation between these conditions, more sensitive measures of dementia and levels of dependency are needed.
Subject Categories
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Copyright
© J.S.L McBratney
Recommended Citation
McBratney, J.S.L, "Dysphagia And Dementia: Examining The Interrelation" (2001). MSU Graduate Theses. 1915.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1915
Dissertation/Thesis
