[Dysphagia] RE: Food Holding

[LiWalsh at serha.ca (Walsh, Linda)]

hillivie423 wrote:
"Does anyone have any suggestions to support a 72 year old gentleman who
has profound mental retardation...He has recently shown some changes
that might suggest a dementia"
KHouts wrote:
"The first thing that crosses my mind is to talk to a Dr. & look for
reversible possibilities that caused his decline, ie dehydration,
electrolyte imbalance, low grade infections or heaven forbid Normal
Pressure Hydrocephalus."

I would also wonder if he has had a CVA that may have affected
feeding/swallowing as well as other functions.  If so, a MBS would be useful
in ruling out pharyngeal problems before trying postures/techniques that may
icrease risk of aspiration.