Mealtime is generally a pleasant part of the day and often a social activity that most people enjoy in the company of family or friends. However, there are many individuals who cannot enjoy this experience fully due to dysphagia, feeding and swallowing disorder. This disorder usually results from a neurological or physical impairment of the oral, pharyngeal or oesophageal mechanisms.
In 2016 more than 700 people were under the care of Speech-Language Pathologists for this condition. These professionals play a primary role in the evaluation and treatment of infants, children, and adults with dysphagia. This condition can be caused and is associated with a broad range of developmental, neurological and head and neck disorders such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and head and neck tumours.
It can affect the whole age spectrum, from premature infants to geriatric adults. Stroke and head injury may be other causative factors. If not given the appropriate attention, dysphagia can cause severe respiratory complications such as pneumonia. Choking, which may result in death, is also one of the risk factors. Other consequences might include anxiety and stress which will lead to abnormal behaviour during mealtimes.
Proper management of dysphagia can reduce complications. Scientific evidence shows that the appropriate identification and management of dysphagia by speech-language pathologists reduces morbidity, mortality and improves quality of life. They are integral members of the multidisciplinary team supporting individuals with dysphagia, their families and carers. Studies have shown that dependency for feeding can place the person being fed at high risk of pneumonia, malnutrition and dehydration. Thus, the role of the Speech-Language Pathologist also includes raising awareness amongst family members and staff in the caring profession, regarding the importance of feeding a person with dysphagia in a safe manner.
The theme of the European Speech Language Therapy day for 2017 was Eat and Drink Safely: Taste Life. To mark this day, the Association of Speech-Language Pathologists (ASLP) produced a video clip to demonstrate some practical advice to individuals suffering from dysphagia as well as their carers. The association believes in empowering clients and their carers with useful information to alleviate the difficulties caused by communication and feeding disorders.
This video is the second of a series of clips ASLP plans to produce. The first one was released last year and concerned voice difficulties. These videos are available on ASLP's website and on social media. Earlier this year, ASLP had also organised a seminar in collaboration with the Speech- Language Department, at Hilltop Gardens, Naxxar.
The seminar, Dysphagia: a multidisciplinary team approach focused on the role that several professionals, particularly the speech-language pathologist, play in the treatment plan and intervention of this condition. Presentations were delivered by Speech-Language Pathologists, Doctors, Nutritionists and Dietitians, focusing on different areas such as feeding in children, dementia and oncology amongst others. This event and the production of the video clip were possible thanks to the Small Initiative Scheme Funds awarded by the Malta Council for Voluntary Sector. ASLP organises regular talks, courses and seminars to meet one of the objectives of the association, which is to increase awareness of the profession and related conditions. For more details of ASLP visit www.aslpmalta.org