People living with dementia may experience difficulties chewing and swallowing as their dementia progresses. They may become reluctant to eat if they are in pain or are frightened that they will choke on the food they are given. In addition, they may struggle to find the words to tell you that they are having difficulties. Over time, the person may be reluctant to eat and drink and, as a result, will lose weight.

Difficulty swallowing is clinically known as dysphagia and occurs when one’s esophagus does not function properly. When a person with dysphagia eats or drinks, they cannot swallow correctly. This swallowing disorder causes discomfort, coughing, choking, and even aspiration of food particles and saliva into the lungs, which can lead to a serious, potentially lifethreatening infection.

Join us as we discuss a comprehensive and collaborative approach to dysphagia management to improve the health and quality of life of people living with dementia and their caregivers.

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