Rehabilitation for Dysphagia

In a super-aging society, dysphagia has become a major problem. Dysphagia is caused by primary diseases, such as cerebrovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as head and neck tumors. In addition, disuse muscle atrophy and sarcopenia may cause swallowing disturbances. Rehabilitation is an important treatment for dysphagia. However, rehabilitation deals with disorders, thus, it needs to performed comprehensively in context with the patient’s ability, activity, and environment. In consideration of the general condition, safe oral intake needs to be ensured via prevention of aspiration by respiratory rehabilitation combined with risk management. Attempts have been made to objectively evaluate and provide feedback on the intensity, amount, and effect of rehabilitation. Several treatment methods, including neurorehabilitation, have been established. However, limited information is available about evidence-based treatment for rehabilitation. As per the current recommendations, rehabilitation should be performed according to the type of dysphagia. To date, reports verifying the effectiveness of training have been scant, and further research on this subject is warranted.