Dysphagia rehabilitation for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases : the current status in Japan and the US

Abstract

In both Japan and the US, dysphagia rehabilitation for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases had focused on compensatory strategies such as diet modification, postural changes, use of special utensils, and/or non–oral feeding, rather than therapeutic intervention which aims at physiological changes in the muscles and neural pathways. Recently, however, research findings indicate positive influence of certain types of exercises and stimulations on swallowing. This article highlights novel approaches suitable for individuals with Parkinson's disease and ALS in two countries.