Oropharyngeal dysphagia counseling program for caregivers of individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is high and the symptomatology of the disease varies with the type and time of the disease, compromising the functional motor performance with a high level of dependence. The presence of a caregiver who actively participates in the daily life of these individuals is essential, being necessary that they are properly trained. Objective: to analyze the efficacy of a training program in oropharyngeal dysphagia for the rehabilitating agent of the individual with ALS. Method: Participating in this study were 10 caregivers (family members or others) of individuals with ALS, regardless of gender, age and graduation level. A questionnaire will be developed to measure the caregiver's knowledge about oropharyngeal dysphagia in ALS. This questionnaire will address issues related to the risks of oropharyngeal dysphagia and basic feeding care, including posture, type of food consistency, supply and management of swallowing. Such questionnaire will be applied before and after the completion of the training program. The training program in oropharyngeal dysphagia for the rehabilitation agent of the individual with ALS will consist of five meetings, audiovisual resources and practical activities. The responses of the rehabilitation agents to the questionnaire will be analyzed statistically. Results: results will be presented on efficacy training program in oropharyngeal dysphagia for the individual's rehabilitating agent with ALS.