Date of Award

5-2006

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences

Abstract

Dysphagia and nutrition in the elderly go hand in hand. As age increases, bodily functions decrease. The loss of function causes an increased susceptibility to swallowing disorders and possible malnutrition. Dysphagia in the elderly increases mortality and morbidity rates (3). This paper discusses causes, symptoms and consequences of dysphagia. Swallow studies and various feeding techniques are examined. Alzheimer's disease, dementia and stroke are diseases that are commonly seen among patients with dysphagia (3, 10). Alternative nutrition via enteral feeding has been shown to increase survival rate (14, 15, 16). The ethics of prolonging death or prolonging life through nutrition support are examined. The dietitian's role is to provide information in order for an educated decision to be made according to the medical and personal goals of the patient and to support those decisions (19).

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Faculty Mentor

Tammy Vitale

Departmental Honors Advisor

Janet Anderson