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Effective Management of Cognitive Dysphagia and Impaired Swallowing to Reduce Risk of Aspiration in Adults

Dysphagia
Dysphagia
  • 14/02/2024
Cognitive Feeding Behaviours and its Relation to Dysphagia

Video description

Information for Healthcare Professional Use Only

This webinar with Speech and Language Therapists, Lucy Taylor and Eleanor Girdowood, explores cognitive dysphagia—swallowing difficulties influenced by cognitive impairments—and offers practical strategies for speech and language therapists to manage associated feeding behaviours.

Highlights include:

  • Cognitive dysphagia affects swallowing due to impairments in attention, memory, and executive function.
  • Common issues include mouth holding, spitting, food refusal, impulsivity, and wandering.
  • Strong links exist between cognitive decline (e.g., dementia, Parkinson’s) and dysphagia risk.
  • Practical strategies include priming (e.g., using smells), creating calm mealtime environments, and promoting independence.
  • Documentation should clearly describe the cognitive impact and effective strategies to be used.
  • Staff education, cultural sensitivity, and personalised care plans are essential for effective management.

Watch the full webinar to learn more about cognitive dysphagia.

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