Functional limitations and cognitive impairment predict the outcome of dysphagia in older patients after an acute neurologic event

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia prevalence increases with age and a significant contribution is given by stroke survivors; its treatment is mainly based on rehabilitation, but outcome cannot be easily predicted. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to detect possible predictors of the outcome of dysphagia in patients beginning rehabilitation after a major Central Nervous System injury. METHODS: Dysphagia severity was measured in 95 consecutive patients (71 with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke) upon admission to our neurorehabilitation unit and at discharge, during the year 2017. The initial evaluation included also demographic data, functional and geriatric multidimensional assessment, laboratory test results and comorbidities. Their possible predictive value on the degree of recovery of the swallowing process at discharge has been analyzed. RESULTS: Poor functional conditions and the presence of cognitive impairment on admission appear to be associated with a worse outcome of dysphagia at discharge. A significant correlation exists between scores at functional scales at the beginning of rehabilitation and dysphagia score at discharge. Patients with cognitive impairment at the beginning (n = 60) showed a significantly lower degree of recovery of dysphagia at discharge. CONCLUSION: Other factors, beside the degree of dysphagia itself, are important to predict its outcome. Their knowledge not only allows an initial prognostic assessment; it can also be useful to decide which aspects should receive greater attention when treating patients with dysphagia.