Accurate Screening Tools for Dysphagia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Determination of Accurate Screening Tools for Dysphagia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Individuals with th Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis are at high risk for swallowing impairment (dysphagia) which leads to malnutrition, decreased pulmonary health, aspiration and aspiration pneumonia. These sequelae necessitate timely identification of at risk individuals to ensure optimal management of oral intake and pulmonary function. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the discriminant ability of several non-invasive screening tools at detecting swallowing impairment in individuals with ALS.

This research study is being performed to determine how accurate different screening tools or tests are at identifying swallowing problems associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

As a participant one evaluation will be performed at the University of Florida Swallowing Systems Core laboratory located at Shands Hospital, Gainesville will take place. This will take approximately two-hours. During this evaluation an videofluoroscopy (X-ray of swallowing), cough tests, tongue function test and questionnaires will be completed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of probable or definite ALS

Exclusion Criteria:

• allergies to barium or capsaicin
• tracheotomy or mechanical ventilation
• absence of diaphragmatic pacer
• respiratory disease (COPD).