ÍNDICE DE DISFAGIA SARCOPÉNICA EN ADULTOS MAYORES INSTITUCIONALIZADOS

Abstract

This study focused on identifying the incidence of sarcopenic dysphagia in institutionalized elderly adults. The specific objectives included evaluating the degree of sarcopenia through grip strength tests, applying the EAT-10 questionnaire and the volume-viscosity clinical exploration method to determine the presence of dysphagia, and relating dysphagia with sarcopenia in this population. A cross-sectional qualitative-quantitative approach was used, applying the EAT-10 questionnaire, the volume-viscosity clinical exploration method, and manual grip strength tests. The research was conducted in two institutions for the elderly in Tungurahua, Ambato. It included 62 participants aged 65 to 90 years, excluding those with hearing difficulties, senile dementia, and those who did not understand verbal commands. The research revealed a high incidence of sarcopenic dysphagia. Most participants did not report problems in the EAT-10 questionnaire; however, the volumeviscosity clinical exploration method showed that 46 elderly adults presented signs of inefficiency and danger in swallowing. Regarding sarcopenia, 49 elderly adults classified low in manual grip strength, including 19 men and 30 women. It was concluded that there is a high prevalence of sarcopenic dysphagia in institutionalized elderly adults. Although the EAT-10 questionnaire did not indicate significant problems, the volume-viscosity clinical exploration method suggested otherwise. In addition, a significant correlation between dysphagia and sarcopenia was observed, evidenced by the low grip strength in most of the participants.