Dysphagia following stroke leads to aspiration4
Dysphagia is a leading predictor of aspiration pneumonia6
Dysphagia leads to aspiration pneumonia, which is a major cause of hospital readmissions.1
- Accounts for 13% to 48% of all infections in nursing home residents.5
- Second most common type of nosocomial infection in hospitalized patients.5
- Overall mortality rate ranges from 20% to 50% with rates as high as 80% reported.5
Lingual strengthening for improved health and quality of life
Lingual strengthening reduces penetration-aspiration scale scores in stroke patients with dysphagia and improves swallowing safety7
- Increased isometric pressure
- Increased maximum swallowing pressure
- Increased swallowing safety
Lingual strengthening improves outcomes for head and neck cancer patients8-10
- Diet maintenance improves over the long term8
- Lingual strengthening before chemoradiation improves swallowing function9
- Patients who complete swallowing therapy are less likely to worsen their diet or receive a feeding tube10
Improved quality of life7
- Greater happiness and social engagement
- Decreased swallowing burden
- Elevated energy level