Japanese Sources

Abstract

Objective: Feeding and deglutition troubles associated with dementia among seniors have increased rapidly. This study investigated these problems in a geriatric health services facility. Subjects & Methods: Fifty six senior patients with feeding and deglutition trouble due to dementia were classified into five main categories, which were intention to eat, food taste, food recognition, poor eating movement and problems in deglutition movement from chewing. Those issues were subdivided into 28 items. Countermeasures were then carried out according to individual symptoms.The effects were evaluated in 4 stages. Results: Countermeasures for troubles in initiating eating, preference for special food, and attention disorder due to dementia and abnormalities in feeding speed were effective in approximately half of the patients. Conclusion: Countermeasures for feeding and deglutition troubles in seniors with dementia could be effective in about 50% of patients.