RecruitingNCT06368830

Oral and Swallowing Function in Older Adults

Characterizing Oral and Swallowing Function in Older Adults Presenting to the Emergency Department

Sponsor

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Enrollment

200 participants

Start Date

Jun 3, 2024

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

Summary

The purpose of this study is to learn about oral and swallowing function in older adults presenting to the emergency department. The hypothesis is that older adults often have problems with oral and swallowing function and these problems relate to other conditions. Study activities are done during the emergency department visit and include providing saliva samples, completing a bedside water swallow test, completing oral function assessments, completing respiratory function tests, and answering survey questions.

Eligibility

Min Age: 60 Years

Inclusion Criteria2

Age ≥ 60
Clinically stable and able (not NPO) to safely drink water and eat a saltine cracker per ED provider

Exclusion Criteria2

Prisoner
Non-English speaking

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Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST3-ounce water swallow test

Bedside water swallow dysphagia screen where vocal quality of the participant is assessed before and after swallowing 3 ounces of water

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTKayser-Jones Brief Oral Health Status Examination (BOHSE)

Scored assessment of the lymph nodes, lips, tongue, tissue inside of cheek, floor and roof of mouth, gums between teeth and/or under artificial teeth, saliva, condition of natural/artificial teeth, chewing position of teeth, and oral cleanliness

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTTongue pressure

Maximum isometric lingual pressure at the front and back of tongue will be measured by placing an air-filled pressure bulb on the surface of the oral tongue and having participants press the bulb "as hard as possible" against the hard palate

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTTest of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS)

Measurement of bites, masticatory cycles, swallows, and time taken to consume a cracker

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTRespiratory function tests

Participants will take a maximum inhalation and forcefully exhale into a spirometer to measure maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), fully exhale their air and take a maximal inhalation into the spirometer to measure maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and produce a single strong cough into to spirometer to measure peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1)