PERCEPTION OF CAREGIVERS ABOUT SWALLOWING DISORDERS CAUSED BY DEMENTIA

Abstract

Objective: To identify the degree of knowledge of caregivers and/or family members of patients with dementia about the disease and swallowing alterations. Materials and Methods: We interviewed 150 caregivers of patients with dementia treated in a tertiary healthcare public hospital. A specific questionnaire was used to collect information about the caregiver’s knowledge on diagnosis of dementia and on the role of speech language therapy in these cases. The data were analyzed descriptively. Results: Alzheimer's dementia was diagnosed in 58.7% of patients included in the research. Caregivers were family members in 98% of the cases; 82.7% were female; and 48.7% sons/daughters. A total of 52.7% of caregivers reported that memory loss was the clinical manifestation of the patient who they took care for; 56% reported knowing the existence of a professional speech language therapist, and 79.3% did not know how the speech language therapist could help in the care of the patient with dementia. With regard to the perception of speech language, 36.6% observed impaired swallowing. Conclusion: The knowledge of caregivers about dementia and swallowing disorders was found to be poor. It is essential that caregivers receive specific guidelines to identify signs of swallowing disorders and assist in the patient’s safe eating in order to prevent future complications such as aspiration pneumonia. DESCRIPTORS Dementia. Alzheimer. Caregivers. Swallowing disorders. Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.