Abstract

TORRES CAMACHO, M.ª José; VAZQUEZ PEROZO, Martín; PARELLADA SABATE, Anna  and  GONZALEZ ACOSTA, M.ª Eloína. Dysphagia in the elderly living in nursing homes Barcelona. Gerokomos [online]. 2011, vol.22, n.1, pp.20-24. ISSN 1134-928X.

15% of people over 65 suffer dysphagia and prevalence in geriatric residences (GR) is estimated at 40%. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of dysphagia in elderly in GR at Barcelona and to describe the functional status (physical and mental), age, sex, diseases, drugs that affect the possible occurrence of dysphagia and to assess dietary measures taken by the GR to management of dysphagia. Methods: we studied 1.777 residents of 66 GR, assessed by the Geriatric Home Care Unit (UADG) until September 2008. The study was conducted by questionnarie prepared by the UADG, advised by Nestlé Nutrition. Results: the profile of people with dysphagia are women over age 85 with significant physical dependence and severe cognitive impairment. Half have some form of dementia. The prevalence of dysphagia is 5.40%. Dysphagia to liquids is 88.52%. The use of commercial thickeners is reduced. The prevalence of mixed textures dysphagia is 76.03%. The crushed diet is given in 79.16%. They use proper diet 87.5%. Dysphagia is only recorded in history at 13.54%. Conclusions: dysphagia should be reflected in the history. The GR staff need training to recognize the warning signs suggestive of dysphagia. Dietary measures are essential.

Keywords : Dysphagia; elderly; dietary measures; warning signs.

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