
 
 Research shows that dysphagia impacts quality of life negatively, but the nature of these impacts is not well understood. This review article aims to examine the impacts of dysphagia and its interventions on mealtime-related quality of life, participation, and inclusion for people with dysphagia.
 
 
 
 The protocol for this scoping review was published in July 2019 and involved a search of five scientific databases using dysphagia and quality of life–related terms.
 
 
 
 
 In total, 106 studies were included in this review article. A qualitative metasynthesis demonstrated that dysphagia had various negative impacts on quality of life, particularly in populations with severe dysphagia. Dysphagia interventions had a range of positive impacts on quality of life; however, modifying food texture also had negative impacts. Most studies (
 n
 = 95) included adults with acquired dysphagia. Only seven studies included people with lifelong conditions, including cerebral palsy or intellectual disability, and only four studies included children. Almost half of the studies (
 n
 = 44) used quantitative instruments, including the Swallowing Quality of Life questionnaire or the Eating Assessment Tool, to measure the impact of dysphagia on quality of life, and few studies used qualitative approaches.
 
 
 
 
 There are both positive and negative impacts of dysphagia and dysphagia-related interventions on quality of life, participation, and inclusion. Most research is quantitative and limited to adults with acquired dysphagia. Qualitative and longitudinal studies that include populations with lifelong disability and children are needed to determine how dysphagia and its interventions impact quality of life across conditions and over the life span.
 
 
 
 
 https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.18862292
 


Dysphagia and Quality of Life, Participation, and Inclusion Experiences and Outcomes for Adults and Children With Dysphagia: A Scoping Review

Clinical effects of lactobacillus reuteri probiotic in tratment of chronic periodontitis. A randomized, controlled trial

Introduction:Rates of periodontal disease and tooth loss are increased in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Understanding factors that contribute to the increased burden of periodontal di...

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/23800844211012678

Oral Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Listening to Patients:

Background Dysphagia occurring in the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing in MS patients may be caused by changes in muscles' viscoelasticity. The aim of this study was to compare the muscles' (sternocloideomastoideus and masseter) viscoelasticity properties by myotonometer between MS patients and healthy individuals. Methods This study design was a cross-sectional, non-interventional study. Ten healthy individuals were allocated to the control group, eleven MS patients without swallowing problems were allocated to the without swallowing group, ten MS patients with swallowing problems were allocated to the swallowing group. Disability was evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), swallowing problem was assessed with Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis (DYMUS) scale, and to measure the viscoelastic parameters (tone, stiffness, elasticity) of sternocloideomastoideus (SCM) and masseter muscles bilaterally, MyotonPro® was used. The comparison between the groups was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results It was observed that there was no difference in terms of viscoelastic properties of the masseter muscle in groups (p > 0.05). There was no difference between the groups in terms of the elasticity of the SCM muscle (p > 0.05). However, the tonus and stiffness of the SCM on the left side of the MS patients were higher than in other groups (p = 0.050, p = 0.005). Conclusion The increment level of tone and stiffness of SCM muscle is related to swallowing problems in patients with MS. Due to swallowing problems in MS, the orofacial and neck region's muscles' viscoelastic properties may change in time and may be affected by phases of swallowing problems.

Myotonometric comparison of sternocleidomastoideus and masseter muscles in multiple sclerosis patients with swallowing problem and healthy individuals

Dysphagia occurring in the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing in MS patients may be caused by changes in muscles' viscoelasticity. The aim of this study was to compare the muscles' (sternocloideomastoideus and masseter) viscoelasticity properties by myotonometer between MS patients and healthy individuals.This study design was a cross-sectional, non-interventional study. Ten healthy individuals were allocated to the control group, eleven MS patients without swallowing problems were allocated to the without swallowing group, ten MS patients with swallowing problems were allocated to the swallowing group. Disability was evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), swallowing problem was assessed with Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis (DYMUS) scale, and to measure the viscoelastic parameters (tone, stiffness, elasticity) of sternocloideomastoideus (SCM) and masseter muscles bilaterally, MyotonPro® was used. The comparison between the groups was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test.It was observed that there was no difference in terms of viscoelastic properties of the masseter muscle in groups (p > 0.05). There was no difference between the groups in terms of the elasticity of the SCM muscle (p > 0.05). However, the tonus and stiffness of the SCM on the left side of the MS patients were higher than in other groups (p = 0.050, p = 0.005).The increment level of tone and stiffness of SCM muscle is related to swallowing problems in patients with MS. Due to swallowing problems in MS, the orofacial and neck region's muscles' viscoelastic properties may change in time and may be affected by phases of swallowing problems. 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system reacts by damaging the central nervous system, specifically myelin and oligodendrocytes. It is the most debilitating neurological disease among young adults, causing personal, familiar, social, and professional limitations. Multiple sclerosis can cause disturbances in the orofacial district, due to a demyelination process on the nerves of the head and neck district. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health status, dysphagia, and quality of life of patients affected by MS. For this study, 101 patients aged between 12 and 70 (47 males, 54 females) affected by MS were selected, and three questionnaires were handed out and anonymously filled in by them: An oral hygiene test, DYMUS (DYsphagia in MUltiple Sclerosis), and IOHIP-14 (Italian version Oral Health Impact Profile). Through the analysis of the questionnaires it was possible to observe pathological conditions, such as gingival inflammation, xerostomia, dysphagia, neuralgia, and dysarthria. Through the analysis it was possible to outline how the roles of a medical team, composed of a dentist, otolaryngologist, and dental hygienist, are fundamental in coping with other medical figures, during the whole development of the diseases, as well as to prevent possible complications.

Camilla Carissimo

Papers

Multiple Sclerosis: Impact on Oral Hygiene, Dysphagia, and Quality of Life.