Patient+population


 * Patient population **

Cancers of the head and neck like other types of cancer are often found in the elderly population (Nguyen et al., 2008). Further complicating symptoms for these patients normal aging also can cause: · prolonged oral transit times · pharyngeal transit times · weakness of pharyngeal constriction · and reduced laryngeal elevation (Nguyen et al., 2008).

These can all contribute to the risk of aspiration for this population group. Diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure and hypertension all of which are found more frequently in this age group can all contribute to delays in bulbous and pharyngeal transit times.

(2;e, 2;f, 2;g) 5 5  ** Culture ** During the assessment and treatment of dysphagia it is important to remember that no two patients are alike and cultural, religious, vocational and behavioural differences (Cichero, 2006). This is especially important for the treatment of dysphagia as different cultures have their own beliefs and traditions around food (Groher & Crary, 2010). This can affect: · location of food on the plate · types of food eaten at certain times of the day · types of food eaten at certain days of the week · type of food eaten

It is also important to consider the fact that modified diets were developed from a western model (Cichero, 2006). This type of food may be unappealing for other cultures decreasing their consumption of food.

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