Dysphagia is a serious issue regardless of other conditions the person may have. It can lead to serious health consequences, like malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, and reduced quality of life. 

But the condition can be even more difficult for people with dementia, and diagnosing a swallowing problem in a demented person can be difficult. Dementia patients may have difficulty communicating, or may forget that they have issues with swallowing food or drink. 

How can clinicians or caretakers guard against dysphagia in patients with dementia?

Here are some subtle signs that may indicate a swallowing problem:

• Coughing during eating
• Constant clearing of the throat
• Grimaces or painful expression during eating
• Holding food in the side of the mouth
• Spitting out food
• Drooling while eating
• Eating too fast
• Unexpected weight lost
• Wet, gurgle or hoarse-sounding voice
• Touching the upper chest or throat when eating
• Taking too much time to eat
• Sorting, arranging, or playing with food
• Excessive chewing, but no swallowing
• Watery eyes
• Runny nose

(Click here for more suggestions on recognizing, diagnosing and treating dysphagia in demented patients).

Swallow Solutions offers an innovative dysphagia treatment device called the SwallowSTRONG. The device strengthens the muscles involved in the swallow, and can help some people regain their ability to swallow. And, it's so intuitive, patients with dementia have had success with the device.