Dysphagia and Considerations for Nutritional Intervention

Abstract

This chapter discusses a clinical case from the interdisciplinary practice of dysphagia and the collaboration between speech-language pathology clinicians and dietetics professionals from the perspective of the speech-language pathologist. The discussion begins with an introduction to the normal swallowing process to better understand disordered swallowing and the role of therapeutic and compensatory interventions. Changes in swallowing that occur with normal aging and their impact are identified and reviewed. Common interventions and considerations in the clinical management of dysphagia from the perspective of the speech-language pathologist are included with rationale based on the current literature. Swallowing motor functions and factors in dysphagia decision making are discussed in relationship to clinical problem solving with a sample case and nutritional interventions. The chapter closes with general recommendations and conclusions to assist in learning and understanding of the concepts discussed.