Dysphagia in Hospitalized Older Adults: Clinical Challenges, Cultural Contexts, and the Geriatrician's Role in Shaping Solutions

Sponsored by the Clinical Practice and Models of Care Committee

Moderator: Nimit Agarwal, MD, MBA, AGSF

Dysphagia is a common and often complex symptom in hospitalized older adults, particularly when compounded by delirium and dementia. Managing oropharyngeal dysphagia in this context presents unique challenges, as both dysphagia and aspiration risk can severely impact nutritional intake and contribute to malnutrition leading to further complications for the hospitalized older adult. Learning Objectives: (1) recognize the prevalence and unique challenges of oropharyngeal dysphagia in hospitalized older adults, particularly in the context of geriatric syndromes such as delirium and dementia; (2) review the cultural and ethnic considerations involved in navigating discussions around artificial nutrition and feeding preferences; and (3) develop practical skills for managing dysphagia through interdisciplinary collaboration and contribute to the creation or refinement of institutional clinical policies that support person-centered care for older adults.

Dysphagia in Hospitalized Older Adults with Delirium and Dementia: Prevalence, Practice Gaps, and System-Level Solutions
Nimit Agarwal, MD, MBA, AGSF

Feeding with Respect: Cultural and Ethnic Considerations in Hospital Nutrition Decisions for Older Adults
Ella H. Bowman, MD, PhD, AGSF, FAAHPM, FACP

The Role of the Geriatrics Consultant in Dysphagia Management: Leading Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Sandeep R. Pagali, MD, MPH, AGSF

Medications and Post-Discharge Management of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: A Continuum of Care
Manisha Parulekar, MD