Variant presentation of dementia & dysphagia in the acute setting
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can patterns of impairment in individuals with different types of dementia be determined utilising bedside clinical swallow exam?
IRAS ID
212939
Contact name
Ross Webster
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Brighton University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 0 days
Research summary
This project intends to examine how swallow difficulties present in individuals with dementia in the acute hospital setting. Dementia is an umbrella term which refers to a variety of similar conditions e.g. Alzheimer’s (AD) and Vascular Dementia (VaD). Each dementia type has a particular pathway of neurological progression and impacts individuals in subtly different ways. Often dysphagia (swallowing problems) manifest as dementia progresses. In line with the different neurological progressions, different swallow problems become apparent in different types of dementia.
In the acute setting Speech and Language Therapists use bedside clinical swallow examinations (CSE) to assess an individual’s swallow ability. Following this they then offer strategies to improve swallow safety and make diet and fluid recommendations.
This project aims to demonstrate whether any consistent, substantial difference between oral motor control and swallow ability can be observed between individuals with different types of dementia using a standard bedside CSE in the acute setting.
• This information may allow speech and language therapy clinicians to assist in differential diagnosis where dementia is suspected.
• It may assist in the mapping of specific symptoms with specific types of dementia.
• It will assist in demonstrating the effectiveness of CSE.
• Assist in the understanding of how acute illnesses impact swallow presentation.Participants will be those with a confirmed diagnosis of dementia with or without dysphagia who have been admitted to Worthing or St. Richards (Chichester) Hospital.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EM/0508
Date of REC Opinion
12 Dec 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion