What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia is the medical name for difficulty swallowing. MedlinePlus says people with it may have difficulty or pain when swallowing, trouble with liquids, foods or saliva, or be unable to swallow at all, which can make it hard to get enough calories and fluids. It is more common in older adults and often follows stroke, Parkinson's disease or other nervous system disorders.

Very common as dementia advances. A 2022 systematic review in PMC reports that 84 to 93 percent of people with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease have dysphagia. The authors note it is still often overlooked, even though its complications can lead to longer hospital stays. In Alzheimer's, swallowing problems are the leading cause of a gradual drop in how much food and drink a person takes in.

Common signs include food left in the mouth after swallowing, chewing that does not break food down, coughing or choking while eating or drinking, and needing verbal reminders to swallow. A 2022 systematic review in PMC lists these, along with meals taking much longer to finish. It notes that not recognizing food by sight can add to swallowing problems in Alzheimer's.

Yes. When swallowing is impaired, food, liquid or even saliva can go into the airway, which can cause aspiration pneumonia. A 2022 systematic review in PMC reports that in Alzheimer's disease, 70 percent of all deaths are related to pneumonia, and that swallowing problems may not be recorded as a cause. Coughing or choking at meals should be raised with a doctor.

Mostly by changing food and how it is eaten. The Alzheimer's Association suggests grinding food, cutting it into bite-size pieces or serving soft foods, avoiding hard foods like raw carrots, and having the person sit up straight with the head slightly forward. Check the mouth after meals to be sure food was swallowed, and learn the Heimlich maneuver in case of choking.