The Current State and Future Directions of Swallowing Care in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is of great concern to patients with ALS as its complications can increase mortality and reduce the quality of life. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent developments and the current state of assessment, treatment, and management of dysphagia in ALS. Recent Findings The optimal timing of assessment, treatment, and management of dysphagia may be early in the ALS disease process, even before the dysphagia occurs. There is wide heterogeneity in SLP practice patterns for the management of dysphagia. Summary Dysphagia is common and debilitating; however, for various reasons, there is no clear consensus on how best to manage dysphagia in this population. Future work centered around predicting swallowing decline and improving interventions aimed at prolonging swallowing function in the early stages of the disease process may promote improved dysphagia care.