When dysphagia meets dementia, SLPs play a vital role on the interdisciplinary team and should be a corner stone in care until end of life in this population. Clinicians must understand the appropriate assessment tools and treatment methods, and train caregivers throughout the disease progression. Eating and drinking brings pleasure to most; however, dementia can bring about significant changes in one’s communication, cognition, appetite and ability to eat and drink. Dementia currently affects 55 million individuals worldwide and is projected to increase by 10 million annually (World Health Organization, 2021). It is imperative that caregivers adapt the care approach and environment to fit the needs of the dementia population who will count on the professionals to help maintain nutrition/hydration and quality of life as their disease progresses.
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