Survey of dysphagia in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Objective To analyze the prevalence, related clinical factors of dysphagia in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) . Methods A total of 239 mild or moderate AD patients were recruited and investigated with a self-administered questionaire on demographics and clinical characteristics . All subjects were screened by Kubota swallowing assessment combined with arterial oxygen saturation monitoring, and the positive cases were further confirmed by video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). Results The prevalence rate of dysphagia was 20.5%(49/239), with 13.6%(18/132)in mild and 29.0%(31/107)in moderate AD patients. The rate of aspiration was 7.5%(18/239). More subjects with age≥75yr, moderate dementia, antipsychotics or benzodiazepine therapia, any clinical features orsigns of dysphagia were found in patients with dysphagia than those without(χ2=4.086–8.527, P=0.003–0.043)Multiple logistic regression showed that the age of ≥75 yr(OR=2.099), moderate dementia(OR=2.310), antipsychotic treatment(OR=2.202), any clinical features of dysphagia (OR=2.306)were significantly associated with dysphagia in AD patients(P=0.016–0.039). Conclusion It is suggested that dysphagia is common in AD patients, especially in those with elder age, more severe dementia, antipsychotic treatment, and clinical features of dysphagia. Key words: Alzheimer's disease; Deglutition disorders; Videofluoroscopic swallowing study; Screening