Feeding and Swallowing Disorders in Dementia

 Dementia is a syndrome that can lead to increasing difficulties in carrying out activities of daily living. This informative manual draws on research performed by experts to highlight the feeding and swallowing difficulties that can occur. It is also a practical guide that uses this research to offer potential strategies to manage these problems.

Professionals are encouraged to focus on the needs of the individual by providing practical questions that should be asked when making an assessment. This is achieved through a step-by-step process, which allows a worker to observe, document and manage feeding and swallowing difficulties. Forms, schedules and checklists that can be photocopied are provided to aid in implementation. This is a detailed, practical resource, which offers support and direction for speech & language therapists, and others with an interest in swallowing problems, working with people with dementia.

Contents include
Introduction; Dementia; History Taking, Feeding and Swallowing Problems; Assessment and Management of Feeding and Swallowing; Assessment Profile; Management Strategies Checklists.

Readership
Speech & language therapists, occupational therapists, nurses and dieticians working with people with dementia

About the author
Jacqueline Kindell is a speech & language therapist and therapy services manager in Old Age Psychiatry, at Stockport NHS Trust. Jacqueline is secretary of the Northern Speech & Language Therapy Special Interest Group in Old Age Psychiatry, and is a member of the 'Expert Group for Mental Health' for the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists' Clinical Guidelines project. She has been part of a multi-disciplinary team, providing assessment, treatment and management advice to people with dementia and their caregivers.