Swallowing Difficulties in People Over 60 Years: Prevalence, Degree of Difficulty and Intervention

Swallowing Difficulties in People Over 60 Years: Prevalence, Degree of Difficulty and Intervention

Participants included in SCAPIS2 (Swedish Cardio Pulmonary bioimage study) are screened regarding swallowing difficulty using a timed water swallow test. Participants who show signs of swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) are included in the present study, which encompasses s flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing function (FEES). Participants showing a moderate-severe dysphagia are randomized into one of three intervention groups: muscle strengthening training, skill-based swallowing training and a control group who will receive compensatory treatment. The study is expected to improve diagnostics and treatment of swallowing difficulties in an ageing population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participation in SCAPIS2
• Swallowing dysfunction according to timed water swallow test or
• Swallowing dysfunction according to self-report

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severely impaired intellectual abilities.
• Inability to consent to inclusion in the study.
• Inability to answer written questionnaires in Swedish

Inclusion of non-dysphagia control cohort: No signs of aspiration, slow swallowing (<10 ml/sec) or self-rated difficulties with eating and swallowing in sub-study SCAPIS2