Affiliations: [a] Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| [b] General, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery, Department of Surgery, “San Matteo degli Infermi” Hospital, ASL Umbria 2, Spoleto, Italy
Correspondence:
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Correspondence to: Virginia Boccardi, MD, PhD, Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, S. Andrea delle Fratte, 06156 Perugia, Italy. Tel.: +39 0755783524; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: A growing concern in patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is dysphagia, or swallowing impairment, which leads to malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, functional decline and fear of eating and drinking, as well as a decrease in the quality of life. Thus the diagnostic assessment of dysphagia in patients with AD is imperative to ensure that they receive effective management, avoiding complications, and reducing comorbidity and mortality in such a growing population. Dysphagia management requires a multidisciplinary approach considering that no single strategy is appropriate for all patients. However, evidence for clinical diagnostic assessment, interventions, and medical management of dysphagia in these patients are still limited: few studies are reporting the evaluation and the management among this group of patients. Here we analyzed the most recent findings in diagnostic assessment and management of swallowing impairment in patients affected by AD.
