Determining the relationship between swallowing performance and quality of life related to swallowing in alzheimer's patients according to the disease stage

Although there are general stages and symptoms identified for Alzheimer's Disease (AD), the severity of the disease can vary depending on the prognosis and individual variables. While swallowing difficulties, feeding issues, and dysphagia are often associated with the advanced stages of the disease, it is also possible to encounter these challenges in earlier stages. In this context, the aim of the study is to identify potential dysphagia, malnutrition, and quality of life profiles related to swallowing in the different stages of Alzheimer's Disease, based on the complaints reported by Alzheimer's patients and their swallowing performance. The study included Alzheimer's patients aged 65 and older, diagnosed according to DSM-V criteria by a neurology specialist. The Swallowing-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL), Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), Repeated Saliva Swallowing Test (TTYT), Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF), and Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI) were applied to the participants. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics 25) software. Correlation analysis was conducted between the CDR score and the total scale scores. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the CDR score and the EAT-10 and DHI scores (r=0.816; p=0.000, r=0.819; p=0.000). As the CDR score increased, both the EAT-10 and DHI scores also increased. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the CDR score and the SWAL-QOL, TTYT, ZSYT, and MNA-SF scores (r=-0.800; p=0.000, r=-0.786; p=0.000, r=-0.728; p=0.000, r=-0.783; p=0.000). These results emphasize that comprehensive swallowing assessments should be conducted starting from the mild stage of Alzheimer's disease, and appropriate nutritional interventions can improve food intake, eating compliance, and overall nutritional status in dysphagic individuals, thereby enhancing their quality of life.