Oropharyngeal dysphagia in elderly population suffering from mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia: Understanding the link

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in elderly patients suffering from minimal or mild cognitive decline. Patients and methods We retrospectively collected the data of patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia and were undergoing management for suspected oropharyngeal dysphagia, in our department. All our patients were subjected to Mini Mental State Examination test, MD Anderson dysphagia inventory and caregiver mealtime and dysphagia questionnaire. We performed a mealtime observation study and endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in all our patients. Following evaluation, we then analysed the data statistically. Results Out of 708 …