Abstract
Swalloaid is a removable denture-type aid for swallowing that is worn only on the upper jaw. There are some reports on the use of this device for the elderly with swallowing disorders. However, its effectiveness for the elderly with dementia is unclear. The purpose of this study is to clarify what kind of patients can receive Swalloaid therapy (reception) and can use it continuously (adaptation).
Thirty-nine subjects were selected from 84 elderly with senile dementia residing at a special nursing home for the elderly. After oral care and desensitization, subjects with a stable oral condition and able to receive Swalloaid therapy were surveyed on the course prior to wear, the circumstances during wear, and the adjustments after fitting. For the adapted subjects, the period and amount of jaw movement until pudding was swallowed with and without Swalloaid were measured.
Of the 39 subjects, 6 completed oral care and were receptive to Swalloaid therapy; of these, 5 were adaptive. When characteristics common to the 5 subjects were determined, 10 items were found as indicators for the Swalloaid therapy in the elderly with dementia. In addition, the period and amount of jaw movement until pudding was swallowed were reduced with the Swalloaid (P<0.01). These results suggest that Swalloaid therapy is useful for the elderly with dementia who are receptive to Swalloaid as a result of sufficient desensitization and oral care.
