RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a common clinical condition in older adults with significant implications for health and quality of life (QOL). However, its prevalence and associated factors in the Indian community-dwelling older adults remain understudied. The present study aims at identifying the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia symptoms in Indian community-dwelling older adults and identifying the age-related comorbid variables associated with an increased risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia in this population. METHODS: Total 384 community-dwelling older adults (60 years of age or older) who were independent in performing daily activities were included in the present study. The Malayalam version of the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) questionnaire was used to assess individuals at risk for dysphagia. Additionally, they also completed a self-report questionnaire addressing age-related comorbid variables associated with an increased risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia. RESULT: Using the Malayalam version of the EAT-10, the present study identified the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia symptoms in 9.9% of community-dwelling older adults. Among the EAT-10 symptoms, cough while/after swallowing, difficulty swallowing solids and difficulty swallowing liquids were the most prevalent symptoms reported by participants. Increase in age and age-related comorbidities such as tooth loss, history of heart failure and digestive diseases were found to be significantly associated with the reporting of risk for dysphagia symptoms. CONCLUSION: As dysphagia symptoms significantly impact the social, psychological and QOL of community-dwelling older adults, it is important to develop awareness about these symptoms among older adults, caretakers and physicians. Early detection and appropriate management of community-dwelling older adults at risk for dysphagia can contribute to better health outcomes and improved QOL.
Asunto(s)
Trastornos de Deglución , Vida Independiente , Humanos , Trastornos de Deglución/epidemiología , Trastornos de Deglución/etiología , Anciano , Prevalencia , Masculino , Femenino , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Calidad de Vida , India/epidemiología , Factores de Edad , Factores de Riesgo , ComorbilidadRESUMEN
The effect of temperature on the behavior of 1-3 piezoelectric composites manufactured using various polymeric materials was assessed experimentally through electrical impedance analysis and laser vibrometry. Device behavior varied with temperature irrespective of the polymer filler. Most significant changes in the piezoelectric composites were recorded around the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer; movement to lower fundamental resonant frequencies and higher values of electrical impedance minima were observed at higher temperatures. Decoupling of the pillars from the polymer matrix was observed by laser vibrometry at high temperatures. The use of high Tg polymer extended the operational temperature range of a piezoelectric composite, and a high Tg polymer with improved thermal conductivity also proved beneficial. For all devices, at temperatures very close to room temperature, subtle changes in device performance, linked to polymer softening, were observed. Particulate filled materials have been investigated, and it is recognized that the high viscosities and low mechanical damping of such materials could be problematic for piezoelectric composite manufacture. The thermal solver of the PZFlex finite element code has been used to predict the temporal and spatial temperature response of a selection of the devices presented. The simulated and experimental data compare favorably.